Oconee County school leaders ask council for $3.5 million increase in FY2025–26 budget

School District of Oconee County officials on April 15 presented a FY2025–26 spending plan to the County Council’s Budget, Finance and Administration committee and requested a $3.5 million increase in local funding, a 6.4% rise from the current county contribution.

The district’s finance staff told the council that roughly 90% of the school budget is personnel-related and that benefits add about 47% on average to salary costs. The presentation said that nonpersonnel costs total about $16.165 million and highlighted several revenue risks, including variability in the state funding formula and fluctuating investment earnings.

The district framed its request around three fiscal-management principles: maintain market-competitive pay to retain and recruit staff; conservatively budget for variable revenue items; and match recurring expenditures to recurring revenues. Officials said those principles also guide the district’s effort to maintain a fund-balance policy that sets a 20% minimum of operating expenditures; they reported a…