Education

BCSD FY 2016-2017 Budget Received First Reading

by Nikki Gaskins Campbell
budget
The BCSD FY 2016-2017 proposed budget will receive second reading on June 28. You can view the proposed budget by clicking here: FY 2016-2017 Proposed Budget.

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–The Berkeley County School District (BCSD) FY 2016-2017 General Fund Operating Budget received first reading at the Board Meeting on Tuesday, June 14. The proposed budget funds the highest priority district needs identified by schools, district departments and the Board.  The budget is contingent on the Board’s approval of a four mill tax increase.

“This year’s budget development process presented several unique challenges,” said Brantley Thomas, BCSD Chief Financial Officer. “The challenges include lower than expected revenue growth rates from our property tax relief fund and lower than expected Consumer Price Index and Population Growth, from which we derive increase revenue from mills.  The state funded only a portion of a 2 percent cost of living mandate.  BCSD faces additional expenses as we open two new schools, prepare for growth of 750 – 1,000 students, and continue to work toward competitive teacher salary scales.”

BCSD FY 2016-2016 Budget includes $10.86 million for improvements in employee compensation; $3.37 million for additional teachers to address the anticipated growth of 750-1,000 students; and $3.62 million to open and operate Philip Simmons Elementary, Middle and High Schools. The remaining $2.74 million will fund critical student and teacher support personnel, including additional psychologists, social workers, instructional technologists and nurses. The budget includes just over a half million dollars to provide additional support for students in the highest poverty rural schools in the district.

“BCSD is a good steward of tax payer funds, as evidenced by our rank in the state as 67 of 83 South Carolina counties in per pupil expenditures while earning a rank of 24 of 83 in student achievement,” said Brenda Blackburn, BCSD Superintendent. “The increase of four mills is essential to assure that our students continue to graduate with world class knowledge and skills that allow them to compete in the local and national job markets.”

The BCSD FY 2016-2017 proposed budget will receive second reading on June 28. You can view the proposed budget by clicking here: FY 2016-2017 Proposed Budget.

 
Nikki Gaskins Campbell
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