A school board member who has not attended a regular meeting since July, due to an illness, says he hopes to return in December.

School Board Member Charles Brown said he has been unable to attend a Scotland County Board of Education meeting since July 13 and has attended only one special meeting in that time.

Brown said a back problem is to blame for the absence. Brown, a former educator who lives in Wagram, said it's difficult for him to remain in certain positions, such as sitting, for any extended period.

But he says his condition is improving, and has no intentions of stepping down.

"I'm going to get back as soon as I can."

The school system does not have an explicit policy on how to handle board member absences, according to Community Schools Coordinator Andy Cagle.

The Code of Ethics for School Board Members says that board members must "attend all regularly scheduled meetings insofar as possible, and become informed concerning the issues to be considered at the meeting."

The policy has no mention of what absences are acceptable and how many meetings a member can miss.

School board members receive $300 compensation a month regardless of whether they attend meetings.

Brown said that despite his illness he continues to represent his district well.

"I'm still in touch with the superintendent and keep up with what's going on," Brown said.

School Board Chairman Jimmy Bennett agreed, saying that he provides weekly updates to Brown on board activities and Brown shares with Bennett any concerns constituents raise.

"Charles is sick," Bennett said. "He's got a cyst on the back of his spine... When you get in that situation where you can't sit and you can't hardly walk, there isn't much you can do."

Superintendent Rick Stout said the board is working with Brown.

"The board is sensitive to Mr. Brown," Stout said. "I talked to him [Tuesday] night and he looks forward to returning to the board."

He said Brown plans to miss the November meeting on Monday, but should be back on in December.