Every school district in South Carolina, regardless of its size or the amount of its annual budget or expenditures, is a “political subdivision,” as that term is used in the Consolidated Procurement Code. S.C. Code Ann. § 11-35-310(23). As discussed above, large school districts are subject to the specific requirements of Section 11-35-70. Other school districts, like all political subdivisions, are subject to the more general rule imposed by Section 11-35-50, which requires the adoption of procedures “embodying sound principles of appropriately competitive procurement . . ..” For court opinions discussing the meaning of this phrase, see the link for Resources under the heading for Political Subdivisions on our Home Page.

School districts should also consult Section 59-19-93 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, that requires a school district to adopt a procurement code or have its funding suspended.

For additional information applicable to all political subdivisions, see the link for Cities, Counties, etc. under the heading for Political Subdivisions on our Home Page.