COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - South Carolina school districts would be required to consolidate some administrative tasks under a bill up for debate by a House education panel.
The bill would apply to counties with multiple school districts.
They would have to centralize all purchasing, personnel and financial duties.
The measure is on the agenda of a House education subcommittee meeting on Wednesday.
South Carolina has 85 school districts in 46 counties. Sumter County's two districts are set to merge this summer, as required by a law approved by local legislators. Spartanburg County has seven districts, the most in a single county.
Former Gov. Mark Sanford unsuccessfully pushed for a bill mandating one district per county. But such proposals often bring a backlash from communities.
