News Summary
The Greenville County School District is urging the County Council to reject a budget proposal that could divert millions from education funding.
Greenville, South Carolina – The Greenville County School District (GCSD) is urging the Greenville County Council to reject a proposed budget that could significantly divert funding away from education and towards road improvement projects. During a meeting held on Tuesday, the GCSD Board of Trustees unanimously passed a resolution opposing the budget that could potentially deprive the district of a substantial portion of its funding, estimated at around $7.7 million.
According to Superintendent Burke Royster, the district had been anticipating $25.5 million in county funding for the coming fiscal year. The concern arises from the proposed fiscal budget for 2026, presented by County Administrator Joseph Kernell, which totals $488 million. The county’s budget allocates $40 million specifically for road improvement projects, financed by reallocating fee in lieu of taxes (FILOT) revenue.
One of the essential changes proposed is an increase in the county’s share of FILOT revenue from 31% to 60%. The GCSD warns that this adjustment could have dire implications for educational funding. Furthermore, the budget proposal includes cuts to affordable housing and land preservation initiatives, which are projected to lose between $1 to $2 million as a result of the FILOT changes.
Approximately 75% of the district’s funding is sourced from the state, while 25% comes from local sources. The current proposal marks the fourth time in 11 years that the district will not raise the millage rate, as they adopted a balanced budget for the upcoming year before the possibility of reduced funding came to light. The district’s proposed budget outlines a $1,050 raise for teachers and a 2% increase for other employees without increasing taxes.
Royster signaled that the alterations to the FILOT funding structure could set a troubling precedent for future funding for schools within the county. During the discussions, Council member Curt McGahhey criticized the school board, alleging excessive taxes and a bloated administration which he believes detrimentally affects student performance.
In response to these claims, the GCSD maintained its commitment to educational excellence, pointing out its high ranking among the top eight school districts statewide for academic performance. Additionally, the school district reiterated that it had not raised the millage rate, a decision made underlining their financial accountability and commitment to the community.
Another matter of concern for the GCSD is the disparity in funding distribution for charter schools compared to public schools. Current statistics reveal that charter schools receive $90 million, in stark contrast to the $22 million allocated to public schools, with only $3.75 million earmarked for Greenville County schools specifically.
Royster further addressed what he described as “flagrantly untrue assertions” made by some county council members regarding both the allocation of school funding and student performance metrics. The school district is currently gearing up for its next budget reading, scheduled for June 2, where they will assess the broader impact of these proposed funding changes amid ongoing discussions regarding local and legislative budgets.
The outcome of this budget proposal and the school district’s financial health remains in question as community stakeholders await further developments. The discussions on funding allocations for education, road projects, and essential social services will likely continue to shape the fiscal landscape in Greenville County.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Budget Cuts Threaten Greenville County Schools Funding
Greenville School District Fights Budget Cuts
Greenville County Schools Opposes Budget Changes
Concerns Rise Over Proposed Funding Cuts to Greenville Schools
Greenville Schools Face $8 Million Funding Loss
Greenville County Schools Face Potential Funding Cuts
Greenville County Allocates $43 Million for Road Maintenance
Greenville Schools Raise Concerns Over Funding Disparities
Funding Disparity Between Public and Charter Schools in South Carolina
Proposed Funding Cuts Threaten School Meal Programs in South Carolina
Additional Resources
- Greenville Online
- Wikipedia: Funding of Public Education in the United States
- Fox Carolina
- Google Search: Greenville County schools budget 2026
- Greenville Journal
- Google Scholar: Greenville County school funding
- WSPA News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education in the United States
- Fox Carolina
- Google News: Greenville County schools funding
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
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