Greenville County councilors and residents spar over school funding as chair says next-year budget will not cut schools

Greenville County Council heard sustained public comment and council debate May 20 over whether the county budget should change funding for the Greenville County School District, with County Chairman Benton Blount telling the chamber the county’s budget workshops yielded a plan that will not reduce the school board’s operating budget for the coming fiscal year.

“At our budget workshop … we have it worked out currently where none of the school board budget for this coming fiscal year will be affected whatsoever. $0,” Chairman Benton Blount said at the start of the public-comment period.

Why it matters: Speakers and several council members said the proposed county budget and public messaging have created confusion and alarm among teachers, parents and staff. The debate touched on teacher pay, school reserves and which…