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Charleston County proposes FY 2026 budget as revenues run ahead of plan; charter payments climb
Summary
District staff presented a proposed FY 2026 budget that relies less on one-time fund balance as revenues have come in stronger than projected, but also forecasts an $8.2 million increase in charter and partnership payments and several policy choices for the board to consider.
Charleston County School District staff presented the proposed fiscal 2026 budget to the board committee of the whole on April 7, highlighting stronger-than-expected revenue collections and several budget choices the board could act on before final adoption.
The proposal trims reliance on one-time reserves while adding recurring personnel costs and an $8.2 million increase in payments to charter and partnership schools. Staff also outlined a schedule that would bring first reading to the board on April 28, with a special-called Audit and Finance Committee meeting set for April 24 and a second reading and public hearing planned for May 19.
Why this matters: The budget frames how the district will fund teacher and classified pay increases, weighted student funding (WSF) expansion and other priorities while the growing share of payments to charter and partnership schools now exceeds 10% of the general operating fund.
Mister Prentice, staff member (budget presenter), told trustees that the district’s revenues “are coming in strong this fiscal year,” a trend staff used in the FY 2026 projection. He said the district budgeted a $63,000,000…
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