Greenwood School District 50 is committed to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to successfully earn course credit while meeting all state seat time requirements. Beginning next week, District 50 will implement a Seat Time Recovery program at both high school campuses to assist students who fall below the required instructional hours due to absences or tardiness.
Under South Carolina State Statute (Regulation 43-274), students must be present for a minimum of 120 hours in a credit-bearing course or 60 hours in a half-credit course to receive credit. On the district’s block schedule, this equates to students being allowed no more than 5 absences per semester course, with limited extensions approved by the principal.
To help students make up missed instructional time, GWD50 will offer Seat Time Recovery sessions:
- Schedule: Two days per week, from 3:40 p.m. to 5:40 p.m., at both Greenwood High School and Emerald High School.
- Cost: $10 per hour.
- Registration: Students must sign up and pay in advance of the session.
- Format: Seat time recovery will be tracked minute for minute to ensure compliance with state regulations.
Session fees will help cover the costs of supervision and program operations. District 50 has researched other neighboring school districts that already charge for Seat Time Recovery, and this adjustment ensures our district can continue offering a safe, structured, and accessible program for students.
Superintendent Goodwin stated:
“Our goal is to provide every student with a fair opportunity to meet course requirements and stay on track for graduation. Seat Time Recovery allows students to take responsibility for their attendance while giving them a structured path to make up lost instructional time.”
Parents are encouraged to discuss attendance expectations with their students and to plan ahead should Seat Time Recovery be needed. Clear attendance policies, combined with this structured recovery program, are designed to support student success while maintaining compliance with state law.
For more information, parents may contact their child’s high school administration office or visit the Greenwood School District 50 website.
To view a copy of the State Board Regulation 43-274 on Student Attendance, visit https://ed.sc.gov/state-board/state-board-of-education/about-state-board/regulations-table-of-contents/sbe-regulation-43-274-student-attendance-absences-and-excuses/