Sanford vetoes action waiving missed school days

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Rep. Gloria Haskins, the Greenville Republican who introduced the bill, said she was surprised by the GOP governor's action and will start working today to override it.

The governor believes the legislation violates home rule provisions of the state constitution, specifically articles III and VIII, said Will Folks, a spokesman for Sanford.

Superintendent Bill Harner said legislation to waive missed school days hasn't been denied to Greenville County in years.

"We're perplexed at the governor's action," he said.

Wintry weather has canceled class for six days this school year, including Dec. 4, 5 and 6 when downed lines cut power to dozens of schools. The district builds three snow days into its schedule every year.

If the ice storm days aren't forgiven, spring break will be cut short by two days and students will have to attend school on March 14, which was scheduled as staff development day, Harner said.

Rep. David Wilkins, R-Greenville, said he expects the 19 legislators that represent parts of the Greenville County School District to override Sanford's veto.

He said he wasn't surprised by Sanford's action because governors as far back as Carroll Campbell have vetoed local legislation on the grounds it's unconstitutional.

"It is not uncommon for the governor to take the position it's a local matter, it's unconstitutional and vetoes it," Wilkins said. "And it's not uncommon for the delegation to override it."

Folks said the bill was well-intentioned but "home rule principles" have limited the General Assembly since the 1970s.

"As much as Gloria is trying to do the right thing, the governor simply felt the state constitution prohibited him from signing the bill," he said.

Paul Alongi can be reached at 298-4746.