CCSD Board of Trustees passes balanced FY2021 budget with no tax increase

June 25, 2020

Charleston County School District’s (CCSD) Board of Trustees unanimously approved the second reading of a balanced FY2021 Budget on Wednesday night, including $541,425,487 for the General Operating Fund (GOF) that does not require a tax millage increase.

Due to economic conditions created by the COVID-19 pandemic, neither the State’s budget nor the FY2021 CCSD budget passed tonight include a costof-living-adjustment (COLA) or a step increase for staff members. However, pending future decisions made by the state legislature, a step increase has been included for teachers once the state’s FY2021 budget is finalized this fall.

Despite projected losses in revenue, the district took two major steps to balance the FY2021 GOF budget. First, CCSD is able to apply $10.7 million in funds saved from the FY2020. Second, the district is using $11.15 million from its fund balance (reserves); more than $100 million is projected to remain in the fund balance.

  • Primary assumptions for the FY2021 budget include the following:
  • No tax increase
  • An estimated $6.9 million decrease in state appropriations
  • Base student cost of $2,500
  • $13.4 million in CARES Act funding (emergency COVID-19 relief funding from the federal government)

The GOF covers operational expenses of the school district such as teacher salaries, student transportation, curriculum, professional training and development for teachers. Under current state law, local taxes for school districts’ general fund are not levied on owner-occupied homes. To cover expenses, taxes are levied on local businesses, vehicles, and rental properties.

The full second reading of the FY2021 budget passed tonight can be read by clicking this link.

 

About the Charleston County School District

Charleston County School District (CCSD), a nationally accredited school district, is the second largest school system in South Carolina representing a unique blend of urban, suburban, and rural schools spanning 1,300 square miles along the coast. CCSD serves more than 50,000 students in 87 schools and specialized programs. With approximately 6,100 employees district-wide, CCSD is the fourth largest employer in the region.

CCSD offers a diverse, expanding portfolio of options and specialized programs, delivered through neighborhood, charter, magnet, IB (international baccalaureate), and Montessori schools, and is divided into three Learning Communities. Options include specialized programs in science, engineering and mathematics; liberal arts; music and other creative and performing arts; career and technical preparation programs; and military and other public service enterprises.