Charleston County School District passes FY2026 budget with historic investments in students and staff

The Charleston County School District (CCSD) Board of Trustees has officially adopted the Fiscal Year 2025–2026 (FY26) budget, totaling $1.76 billion, at their regularly scheduled May 19, 2025, Board Meeting. Approved a month earlier than last year, this timely budget reflects the district’s unwavering commitment to investing in student achievement, staff support, and long-term financial sustainability without increasing the local millage rate.

This year’s budget represents a $65 million increase over FY25, with landmark investments in Weighted Student Funding (WSF), educator and staff compensation, and strategic expansions to student services. The budget was developed in alignment with CCSD’s Vision 2027 goal of ensuring all students read on grade level by fifth grade.

For the second consecutive year, the district has implemented market-based salary adjustments to improve recruitment and retention. The FY26 budget builds on that momentum:

• $4,000 raise for all teachers across the salary schedule, plus step increases and a new entry-level salary of $64,782
• 3% salary increase for all non-teaching staff, plus step increases
• Expanded WSF funding to $36 million, supporting students in poverty, multilingual learners, and those with disabilities
• 42.5 new positions across various student-centered roles
• Expanded employee daycare and reduced after-school employee Kaleidoscope costs by 50 percent
• No increase to the operating millage rate

“This budget is more than a financial plan; it is a values statement,” said Superintendent Anita Huggins. “We are investing in excellence and access for every child while supporting the adults who make learning possible. I’m grateful to the Board and our financial team for their leadership and vision.”

The preliminary FY26 budget book is available to the public and can be accessed on the district’s website.