South Carolina § 59-17-20 - Alteration or division of school districts.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 59-17-20 — Alteration or division of school districts., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 59-17-20. Alteration or division of school districts.
Unless otherwise expressly provided, the school districts of the various counties shall not be altered or divided except:
(1) By act of the General Assembly relating to one or more counties; or
(2) By authorization of the county boards of education under the following conditions:
(a) With the written approval of the Senator and the entire house legislative delegation from the county involved;
(b) Upon a written petition, signed by at least four fifths of the qualified electors embraced within the limits of each of the school districts involved, which shall state plainly to the county board of education the action petitioned and shall also bear the signed certificate of the members of the county board of registration that the number of electors who signed the petition represent at least four fifths of the qualified electors embraced within the limits of each of the school districts involved; or
(c) Upon the written petition, signed by at least one third of the qualified electors embraced within the limits of each of the school districts involved, which shall state primarily the action petitioned and shall bear the signed certificate of the members of the county board of registration that the number of the electors who signed the petition represent at least one third of the qualified electors embraced within the limits of each of the school districts involved; if such consolidation be approved favorably by a majority of the qualified electors of each of the school districts involved at an election called by the county board of education for the purpose.
HISTORY: 1962 Code SECTION 21-112; 1952 Code SECTION 21-112; 1942 Code SECTION 5319; 1938 (40) 429; 1950 (46) 2504; 1951 (47) 546.
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 59-17-20
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 59-17-20 cover?
Section 59-17-20 ("Alteration or division of school districts.") is part of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the codified statutory law of South Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Carolina § 59-17-20?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 59-17-20" (South Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Carolina attorney.
How does South Carolina § 59-17-20 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Carolina.