Berkeley Schools’ Value to the County

MONCKS CORNER, SC – Berkeley County School District continues to provide quality educations to students in one of the fastest growing counties in South Carolina despite budget shortfalls.

The South Carolina Department of Education ranks Berkeley County as 24^th out of 82 districts with an Excellent rating on the State Report Card and a score of 85.6 on the U.S. Department of Education’s Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) accountability system.  Contrasting this achievement, the school district is ranked 67^th out of 82 districts statewide for per pupil spending.  Berkeley County spends $8,513 per students, which is far below the state average of $9,791 per pupil.  Compared with the 23^rd rated district, Richland District 2 at $10,380 per pupil and the 25^th rated Horry County Schools, which spends $10,273 per student. Berkeley County offers residents a value related to classroom achievement and school operation while enhancing the performance of students throughout the county.

Berkeley County continues to enhance classroom performance by retaining as well as attracting highly qualified educators.  The district seeks to remain competitive by providing educators with professional development opportunities and compensation packages commensurate with the talent and abilities they bring to the classroom.

In 2007, the General Assembly enacted Act 388 to offer state residents relief from property taxes.  The most current budget analysis shows an annual shortfall of more than $4,500,000 while Berkeley County School District copes with expanding its school resources and retaining qualified teachers.  The General Assembly’s Act 388 allows for unused cap space from the previous three tax years to augment the next tax year, which will help Berkeley County School District maintain pace with the county’s growth and demand for quality educational services.  While preparing the 2015-2016 budget, Berkeley County School District administrators and the Board of Education will discuss how and when to implement millage adjustments to offset the Act 388 funding shortfalls.