Anderson 5 reviews 2025–26 budget options as state and federal funding remain uncertain

Anderson County School District 5 finance staff presented a draft 2025–26 budget to the Board of Trustees Thursday and asked the board to give direction on a set of options that would be used to prepare the formal first reading next week.

The presentation stressed that several items still depend on pending state actions: whether a proposed health-insurance increase will be applied to employers or employees, and the fate of a state “vote tax” bill that could reduce district revenue. Presenter (budget staff) said, “My philosophy from here for you at the board will all I will always take the most aggressive route, expense wise for you. So I'm gonna give you worst case scenario.”

Why it matters: the presentation showed a range of cost scenarios that would materially change next year’s bottom line. District staff flagged roughly $300,000 in employer-side health insurance costs under the senate proposal (a seven‑month cost in their payroll timing) and a separate possible revenue hit of about $700,000 if the tax bill described at the state level moves forward. Staff presented staffing and program choices meant to keep the district solvent under worse-case assumptions while allowing the board to pare back if more favorable state decisions arrive.

Most important budget items and options

- Health insurance: Two legislative versions differ. The House version would place a 4.6% increase on employees; the Senate version would place it on…