BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–Berkeley County School Board members and district officials held their second budget workshop to continue review of the proposed FY 2016-2017 General Fund Operating Budget, an estimated $258,823,413. BCSD has proposed a four mill increase to comply with state mandates, provide competitive teacher salaries, restore essential resources and plan for the growth of the district.
“In an effort to accurately assess the needs of the district, we conducted a comprehensive fact-finding process that included all district schools and departments,” said Brenda Blackburn, BCSD Superintendent. “After reviewing those requests, the Board identified their top three priorities. These priorities are teacher compensation, budget restoration and planning for growth.”
BCSD, as well as other school districts across the state, continue to face budget challenges resulting from five years of economic downturn, as well as underfunded and unfunded state mandates. This year, the state is requiring a two percent cost of living increase but only funding one percent of that mandate. BCSD is an advocate of increasing compensation, but recognizes that the remaining funding must come out of the base student cost.
“Funding of the base student cost remains at 2006-2007 levels. This means the district should receive $2,933 per student, but will only receive $2,350 per student, a difference totaling $18,592,000.00,” said Brantley Thomas, BCSD Chief Financial Officer. “State law allows each school district to increase their millage by a rate determined by a combination of population and consumer price index. Generally, economic indicators allow for approximately seven mills, but this year we are only allowed four mills.”
The restoration of items reduced in previous budgets is the second priority identified for this year’s budget. The current budget provides funding to restore essential positions that were lost due to previous budget cuts, and provide vital resources such as teacher classroom supplies.
The third priority identified is planning for the growth of the district. Studies have shown that the county is and will continue growing at a remarkable rate. BCSD schools will need the personnel and resources to meet the needs of increased student populations and to provide students with competitive course offerings.
“The current proposed budget is contingent upon the Board’s approval of the four mill tax increase,” said Blackburn. “We are continuing to do our due diligence and provide the Board with the information necessary for us to assist them in making difficult budget decisions. Regardless of the complexity of the final budget, our focus remains on providing a quality education for every student in Berkeley County.”
The BCSD FY 2016-2017 proposed budget will receive first reading on June 14. You can view the proposed budget by clicking here: FY 2016-2017 Proposed Budget
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