News Summary
The Greenville County Schools Board is opposing a proposal that would divert crucial funding from local education to roadway projects.
Greenville, South Carolina – The Greenville County Schools (GCS) Board of Trustees has raised its concerns over a proposal by the Greenville County Council to divert funding from local schools to roadway projects. The county’s plan, proposed on May 6, seeks to retain nearly double the fee-in-lieu-of-tax (FILOT) income, which would significantly reduce the school district’s funding.
Currently, GCS receives 39% of FILOT payments, contributing about $25.8 million expected for the fiscal year 2026. However, the proposed changes would decrease this percentage to approximately 60%, leading to an estimated loss of $8 million for the district if approved. The county has not published a projected revenue loss associated with these changes, raising further concerns from school officials.
Superintendent Burke Royster has voiced strong objections to the proposal, arguing that it prioritizes “repaving roads” over the crucial task of “educating students.” This sentiment was echoed by the GCS Board of Trustees, which unanimously adopted a resolution on May 13, urging the county council to reject the FILOT redistribution initiative. As of now, the Greenville County Council is tentatively scheduled to introduce its budget on May 20.
Royster has highlighted that the potential funding reductions could have significant implications for the district’s financial planning, particularly as the budget for fiscal year 2026 was presented for its first reading on May 5. There are no proposed increases in the millage rate for the upcoming fiscal year, but the district may have to rethink planned salary increases for teachers and other staff to accommodate the expected revenue declines.
The district has raised alarms that the funding rerouting could set a concerning precedent for future funding decisions, impacting not just current educational programs but also long-term planning and stability for GCS. GCS has pointed out that personnel costs, especially those related to instructional staff, account for a large part of their budget.
During discussions surrounding the budget, Royster criticized members of the county council for making what he termed “flagrantly untrue assertions” regarding the district’s financial status and performance. GCS subsequently issued a statement to clarify misconceptions about its budget and academic rankings, addressing claims about the percentage of public school funding sourced from taxes. The district noted that this share typically ranges from 15% to 30%.
Concerns Over Public Education Valuation
Community perceptions regarding the value of public education have been highlighted by GCS Board Chair Carolyn Styles, who expressed apprehension over the implications of the county’s proposed changes. The timing of the discussions surrounding funding reallocation has also sparked concern.
The GCS Board of Trustees meeting on May 13 included updates on relevant legislative issues affecting the district’s fiscal outlook. House Bill 3645, which proposed extending paid parental leave from six weeks to 12 weeks, did not advance, which would have cost the district an estimated $1.5 million. GCS is also troubled by the disparities in new K-12 Aid funding, with traditional districts slated to receive significantly less than charter districts—$22 million compared to $90 million.
Legislative Challenges and Budget Outlook
Trustee Chuck Saylors has noted the dual challenge of funding cuts imposed both by the local Greenville County and the legislature. Meanwhile, a measure put forth by Representative Bruce Bannister to amend the educational funding formula has passed the South Carolina House, which could add $2 million in state revenue to GCS.
The second and final reading of the GCS fiscal year 2026 budget is scheduled for June 2, with many officials and community members awaiting the outcome of these funding deliberations. As discussions continue, the focus remains on ensuring that the educational needs of students in Greenville County are prioritized amidst shifting funding dynamics.
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Journal
- Fox Carolina
- WYFF4
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education Funding
- WSPA
- Google Search: Greenville County Schools Funding
