(A) It is declared to be the purpose and policy of the State to maintain and develop the school property in accordance with the purposes of the will of Dr. John de la Howe as interpreted by the Supreme Court of South Carolina, Mars v. Gibert, 93 SC 455, which for historical reference reads: "First, the establishment and maintenance of an agricultural and mechanical school as an institution in Abbeville County, stimulating and improving the industrial life of the entire community; second, the training, free of charge, of twenty-four boys and girls, not as college men and women, but in the beginning of school life; and, third, the like training of the children of the neighborhood not supported by the fund." It is declared that the term "Abbeville County" shall be understood to mean that portion of South Carolina known as Abbeville County at the time the will of Dr. John de la Howe was dated, namely January 2, 1797. The property is now in McCormick County. It is further declared that, given the above historical perspective, the board shall instruct the president of the school to implement programs which shall meet the needs of children from all of South Carolina who have an interest in agriculture, biotechnology, and natural resources.

(B) Under the provisions of the will and the bequest accepted by the State of South Carolina, the school must ‘educate twelve poor boys and twelve poor girls’. To meet this requirement, the school shall use the current measures of poverty as defined by the State Department of Education.

(C) Also under the provisions of the will and the subsequent bequest, the board may allow local students to attend as day students provided they meet the admissions requirements. The board will determine equity of admissions statewide.