News Summary
Greenville County Schools officials are alarmed by the state’s funding formula that favors charter schools while public districts receive minimal increases.
Greenville, South Carolina – Officials from Greenville County Schools are raising alarms about the state’s funding formula, which they believe disproportionately favors charter schools over traditional public school districts. Under the current budget, approximately $112 million in new state funding is set to be allocated, with charter schools receiving around $90 million. In contrast, public school districts, which serve a much larger student population, will split the remaining $22 million.
Across South Carolina, there are about 57,000 students enrolled in charter schools, while Greenville County Schools accommodates approximately 78,000 students. The unequal distribution of educational funds has raised concerns among school officials, who argue that the intention of state aid is to ensure equitable financial support for all public districts, which is vital for providing quality education.
The spokesperson for Greenville County Schools pointed out that the current funding allocation not only undermines public education but also poses challenges for maintaining critical staff and resources. With the current budget proposal showing no plans to increase millage for the upcoming fiscal year, the district is preparing to navigate the implications of this disparity.
Challenges Faced by Public Schools
The proposed funding scenario has the potential to affect teacher salaries significantly. Currently, the district had planned for a teacher pay increase of over $1,000; however, if state funding remains limited, this could drop to an additional $200. The already strained financial position is further complicated by inflation impacts on the projected general revenue budget for FY26, which stands at $962 million. Aside from a small increase allocated to special education support services, there are no proposed enhancements in the budget.
While traditional public school systems comprise approximately 92.5% of the student population in South Carolina, they are projected to receive a mere $22 million in new K-12 classroom funding within the current aid formula. This figure further emphasizes the concerns raised by Greenville County Schools regarding the funding model’s efficacy in adequately supporting the majority of students.
Legislative Efforts and Proposals
In response to these budgetary concerns, state Representative Bruce Bannister, a Republican from Greenville, is working towards a temporary adjustment of the funding formula. However, his proposal is facing resistance from the Senate and virtual charter schools. Recently, the House moved to reduce the funding weighting for virtual charter schools from 0.65 to 0.36, and established a study committee responsible for reviewing the funding allocation within the State Aid to Classrooms program. Recommendations to amend the funding formula are due by December 1, 2025.
Moreover, one proposed legislative change, bill H.4397, would require the Greenville County Council to approve the district’s budget. This measure has met with significant opposition from the district’s officials. The current budget plan includes provisions for teacher salary increases conditional on the state’s financial decisions and actions taken regarding a pending parental leave proposal. If the parental leave is not extended from six weeks to twelve weeks, teacher salaries may face further restrictions on the proposed hikes.
Conclusion
As leaders from Greenville County Schools and the broader educational community navigate these financial challenges, the efficacy of the state’s funding formula remains in question. With the potential impacts on staff salaries and the quality of education for students, there is escalating urgency for a solution that ensures fair funding distributions across both charter and public schools.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Funding Disparity Between Public and Charter Schools in South Carolina
Alabama Schools Face Uncertainty Amid Department of Education Closure Talks
Major Changes Expected for Education Services in the U.S.
Greenville Tech Foundation Sets Scholarship Records
Additional Resources
- WYFF 4
- Greenville Journal
- WSPA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Greenville County Schools
- Google News: Greenville County Schools
