Seymour and Paylor appointed CCSD’s Interim Co-General Counsel

October 17, 2022

Experienced attorney and retired federal judge to lead CCSD’s legal office

Charleston County School District (CCSD) announced that the Honorable Judge Margaret Seymour, a retired U.S. District Court Judge, and Alice Paylor, long-time outside counsel for the school district, have been named Interim Co-General Counsel. Judge Seymour and Paylor, both attorneys with Saxton & Stump, bring extensive experience and knowledge in South Carolina state education law and federal laws applicable to CCSD.

Judge Margaret Seymour, Interim Co-General Counsel; Alice Paylor, Interim Co-General Counsel

The Hon. Margaret Seymour retired from the federal bench, where she served as a United States Magistrate Judge and then as a United States District Court Judge for almost 30 years. As a judge, Seymour has experience with various constitutional and federal legal issues. Her accomplished legal career began as an attorney for the US Office of Civil Rights (OCR). During her stint at OCR, Judge Seymour was engaged in developing the policies and procedures forTitle IX. Before being appointed to the bench, she was an Assistant US Attorney.

“Judge Seymour brings an impeccable reputation to CCSD,” said Superintendent Don Kennedy said. “Her level-headed demeanor and extensive experience will be invaluable assets to our district.”

Alice Paylor is a shareholder at Saxton & Stump. Paylor’s legal career spans four decades with a breadth of experience in K-12 education law. From 1982 – 2012, Paylor served as outside general counsel for CCSD and has also served in the same capacity for Dorchester School District Two. A past president of the South Carolina Bar, Paylor is a highly respected litigator and is recognized by Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and the American College of Trial Lawyers for her litigation skills.

“Ms. Paylor’s knowledge of, and experience with, state education laws and the policies of CCSD will benefit the district greatly,” added Kennedy. “She has a great passion for CCSD’s providing quality education services to students and is committed to seeing us achieve significant gains with students.”

 

About the Charleston County School District

Charleston County School District (CCSD) is a nationally accredited school district committed to providing equitable and quality educational opportunities for all of its students. CCSD is the second-largest school system in South Carolina and represents a unique blend of urban, suburban, and rural schools spanning 1,300 square miles along the coast. CCSD serves approximately 49,000 students in 88 schools and specialized programs.

CCSD offers a diverse, expanding portfolio of options and specialized programs, delivered through neighborhood, magnet, IB (international baccalaureate), Montessori, and charter schools. Options include programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); music and other creative and performing arts; career and technical preparation programs; and military.