News Summary
The GCSD Board has unanimously rejected the proposed county budget, citing concerns over funding cuts that could impact essential educational services.
Greenville, South Carolina
The Greenville County School District (GCSD) Board of Trustees has voted unanimously to reject the proposed county budget for fiscal year 2026, primarily due to concerns over a potential loss of approximately $7.7 million in funding. The budget, which totals $488 million, includes significant allocations for road improvement projects that could divert essential resources away from local schools.
GCSD Superintendent Burke Royster highlighted that the district had initially anticipated receiving $25.5 million from the county, which is vital for maintaining educational programs and supporting staff salaries. The proposed budget allocates $40 million specifically for road improvements, funded through a reallocation of fee in lieu of taxes (FILOT) revenue. This change means the county now retains 60% of FILOT revenue, a significant increase compared to the typical amount.
In addition to the financial impact on schools, the proposed budget’s FILOT reallocation would also lead to funding cuts in other critical areas, including affordable housing and land preservation, estimated to be between $1 million and $2 million.
Budget and Financial Concerns
The school district’s funding is largely derived from state resources, with approximately 75% coming from state allocations and the remaining 25% from local sources. This funding structure places the district in a vulnerable position, as cuts in local revenue could severely affect educational services. The board had previously passed a balanced budget for the upcoming year, which included salary increases of $1,050 for teachers and a 2% raise for other employees without an accompanying tax increase.
Furthermore, the district is apprehensive about proposed state funding that allocates $90 million to charter schools and $22 million to public schools, with GCSD expected to receive only $3.75 million. Such disparities raise concerns about equitable funding distribution and the potential long-term implications for public education in the area.
Reactions from Local Officials
Local council members have also weighed in on the budget proposal, with Councilmember Curt McGahhey criticizing the school board for its perceived high administrative costs and frequent tax increases. He argued that the school district has sufficient financial resources but prioritizes funding for education over other infrastructure projects, such as road repairs.
The school board has countered these claims by emphasizing the district’s strong academic performance, which ranks among the top eight in the state, with many students achieving scores above state and national averages on standardized tests like the SAT and ACT. The board has called for accurate public statements related to the education of over 78,000 students and the management of taxpayer funds, clarifying that any potential funding cuts could jeopardize those results.
Next Steps and Considerations
In response to the GCSD’s rejection of the budget and resulting concerns, the county council is set to reconsider the initial budget proposal. Discussions have also included the impact of funding adjustments on other local services, including those provided by the Donaldson Fire Department and South Greenville Fire District, which may experience revenue cuts due to the reallocation of FILOT funds.
The council is expected to introduce the revised budget on May 20, and additional workshops may be held to address the issues raised by the school district. With the budget’s future still uncertain, the outcome will likely have lasting implications for both educational funding and community services in Greenville County.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Greenville County School District Opposes Budget Cuts
Greenville School District Opposes Proposed Budget Shift
Greenville School District Fights Budget Cuts
Additional Resources
- Greenville Online
- Wikipedia: Education in South Carolina
- Fox Carolina
- Google Search: Greenville County schools funding
- Post and Courier
- Google Scholar: Greenville County School District
- Greenville Journal
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School
- WSPA
- Google News: Greenville County budget
