Richland 2 board approves $415.35 million FY25–26 budget with $750 teacher raise and 6-mill county increase

The Richland School District 2 Board of Trustees on June 24 approved the fiscal year 2025–26 general fund budget of $415,350,055, a plan trustees said includes a 6-mill increase approved by Richland County Council and funding that would allow a $750 increase across the teacher salary schedule.

“I stand before you seeking approval of the fiscal year 20 26 general fund budget, in the amount of $415,350,055 which includes both recurring and non recurring funds,” said Ms. Williams, the district’s senior chief financial officer. She also noted that the budget “includes a 6 mil increase, as approved by Richland County Council on last Tuesday evening.”

District leaders told trustees new recurring revenue of $13,025,060 is available and that after funding the top nine priorities — including mandated step increases and health insurance adjustments — about $2.7 million in recurring funds remained. That remainder, the finance presentation said, would permit a $750 increase “to each scale on the teacher salary schedule.” The board approved the budget on a 5–2 vote.

The board and administration emphasized that some items in the budget are mandated by state law. A board member explained during the discussion that items 1 through 4 in the budget packet — including step increases for teachers and specified health insurance adjustments — are required by the state.

Superintendent Dr. Kim Moore clarified how the county millage change affects taxpayers: “that millage increase does not impact anyone that is living in the house that they own. It does not impact owner occupied, or homes, only for people who are renting out a home or businesses.” Trustee Angela Nash, speaking in opposition, said she remained concerned about the effect on renters: “the majority of people in this district, in this area rent homes. So there is a possibility that rent is going up for those people, which is why I wasn't supportive of the mill before and I'm still not supportive of it now.”

Motion and vote: Trustee Nikki Porter moved to approve the general fund budget “with the inclusion of the 6 mil increase as presented by the superintendent”; the motion was seconded and passed 5 yes, 2 no.

The board packet and staff presentation also noted that the district will use fund balance to cover nonrecurring items listed as priorities 10 through 23. District leaders said final state revenue figures and the county action informed the final draft adopted by the board.