News Summary
The Greenville County Schools Board presented a $962 million budget proposal for 2026, focusing on maintaining financial stability amid economic challenges.
Greenville, South Carolina – The Greenville County Schools Board of Trustees presented the projected budget for fiscal year 2026 during a meeting on May 5. The proposed general revenue budget is set at $962 million, a balanced figure that will not require an increase in the millage rate.
In light of recent economic challenges, including inflation, this decision marks the fourth time in the last 11 years that the millage rate has remained unchanged. Superintendent Burke Royster indicated that the budget does not include expansions or enhancements to educational programs, with the exception of a modest increase in special education support services.
The district is currently awaiting the completion of the state appropriations bill by the South Carolina House and Senate before finalizing its finances. The proposed budget outlines three scenarios for general fund expenditures, maintaining a minimum potential expenditure total of $962 million.
Greenville County Schools has raised concerns regarding the new education funding formula, which appears to allocate a significant majority of state funding to charter schools. Of the approximately $112 million earmarked for new K-12 aid, charter schools are expected to receive $90 million while traditional public school districts will only get $22 million. Greenville County Schools is projected to receive around $3.75 million from the State Aid to Classrooms program.
Royster emphasized that this current allocation model may undermine the intended purpose of the funding, adversely affecting the majority of public school students in the district. In response to these concerns, State Representative Bruce Bannister is pursuing amendments to the State Aid to Classrooms formula as a temporary solution. Additionally, a proposed task force consisting of education stakeholders will analyze the funding formula and recommend potential revisions.
The district is also advocating for the removal of House Bill 3645, which would extend paid parental leave from six weeks to 12 weeks without state financial support. The existing general fund budget allocates $1.5 million to double the current paid parental leave provisions.
The proposed budget outlines potential salary increases for staff based on the outcome of state budget discussions. Should current budgets remain stable, teachers might see an increase of $1,050, which could rise to $1,400 if amendments are enacted and unfunded mandates are removed. Other employees may receive a 2% salary increase or a step increase.
A public hearing regarding the budget is scheduled for June 2, following which a second reading of the budget will take place. If the budget is approved, it is anticipated to take effect on July 1.
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Journal: Greenville County Schools Budget
- Wikipedia: Education in the United States
- WYFF4: Greenville County Schools State Funding Concerns
- Google Search: Greenville County Schools budget
- Post and Courier: Greenville Schools Budget Tax Increase
- Google Scholar: Greenville County Schools
- Greenville Online: Greenville County Schools Propose $1 Billion Budget
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Education
- Fox Carolina: Greenville Co. School Board No Tax Increase
- Google News: Greenville County Schools state funding
