S.C. Code Ann. § 59-31-410

The provisions of this article shall not apply (a) to any school district the board of trustees of which filed before August 1, 1936 with the former State Schoolbook Commission a written statement, approved by the Senator and at least one half of the representatives from such county, to the effect that it did not elect to come under the provisions of this article nor (b) to any county the county board of education of which filed before August 1, 1936 with the former State Schoolbook Commission a written statement, approved by the Senator and at least one half of the representatives from such county, to the effect that it did not elect to come under the provisions of this article.