News Summary
Greenville County Schools urges council to reject budget cuts that could lose $8 million in funding, impacting education and teacher salaries.
Greenville – Greenville County Schools is calling on the county council to reject a proposed budget change that could lead to a significant loss of funding for the school district. The council’s plan, discussed during the recent budget meetings, seeks to redirect funds from the Fee in Lieu of Taxes (FILOT) fund to support road improvements, which could divert up to $8 million from the school district.
The board estimates that the proposed budget alterations could increase the county’s share of FILOT revenue from 31% to 62%. This substantial shift in funding prioritizes local infrastructure projects, but officials from Greenville County Schools warn that it may jeopardize their financial stability as they prepare for the next fiscal year.
The Board of Trustees for Greenville County Schools unanimously passed a resolution urging the council to reconsider their decision, emphasizing that the proposed cuts pose a severe threat to their operational budget. Concerns were also raised about the district’s ability to implement planned pay raises for teachers, which had previously been included without any required tax increase.
As part of a balanced budget, the school district was planning to offer a $1,050 raise for teachers and a 2% increase for other employees. However, if the FILOT funding reallocation takes effect, the district estimates facing an $8 million shortfall, which could necessitate a reconsideration of millage rates to maintain educational services. This potential financial strain has caused considerable anxiety within the district, especially regarding potential impacts on teacher salaries and staffing levels.
Budget Overview
The proposed budget affects Greenville County’s overall fiscal plan for 2026, which totals $488 million and allocates $40 million for road improvements funded by the reallocated FILOT revenues. Alongside education, this funding shift will also affect other essential areas, including affordable housing and land preservation, which are expected to encounter reductions of $1 to $2 million.
Approximately 75% of the funding for Greenville County Schools comes from state sources, while 25% is funded locally. With discussions currently uncertain and the local funding experiencing dramatic shifts, the school district is assessing its future fiscal strategy. Before the budget discussions, the district had moved forward with a unanimous first reading of its balanced budget, which had not accounted for the potential losses from FILOT funding.
Community and Political Response
County Councilmember criticisms have included accusations of the school board routinely raising taxes, suggesting the need for a reevaluation of administrative expenditures within the district. However, the school district has defended its fiscal practices and its strong academic performance, highlighting its track record in comparison to legislative assertions regarding previous tax increases and test scores.
As the Greenville County Schools continue to navigate the budget complexities amidst the proposed cuts, the focus remains on securing the necessary funding to preserve the quality of education for its students and to implement plans for faculty compensation improvements. The outcome of the council’s decision will be critical for the district as it prepares for the upcoming school year and strives to meet the educational needs of the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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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
House Republicans Propose Massive $4.9 Trillion Tax Breaks
New York’s Budget: Changes and New Powers for Governor Hochul
Funding Disparity Between Public and Charter Schools in South Carolina
Proposed Funding Cuts Threaten School Meal Programs in South Carolina
Greenville County Schools Raise Concerns Over State Funding
Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Greenville County Schools Could Lose $8M Under County Budget Proposal
- Greenville Online: Funding for Greenville Schools Uncertain
- Fox Carolina: Budget Battle Turns Into War of Words
- Post and Courier: Greenville County Council Takes Tax Money for Roads
- MSN News: State Bill Would Take Final Approval of Budgets Away from Greenville County Schools
- Wikipedia: Greenville, South Carolina
- Google Search: Greenville County Schools budget
- Google Scholar: Greenville County Schools funding
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Greenville
- Google News: Greenville County Schools funding
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
