Audit and Finance Committee approves reallocations for school projects, reviews enrollment and ESSER closeout

CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Charleston County School District Audit and Finance Committee on Jan. 7 approved several funding reallocations to cover interim classroom needs, capital-maintenance projects and facility upgrades, and reviewed preliminary enrollment counts and federal ESSER spending closeout.

The committee voted to reallocate Phase 5 funds to provide mobile classrooms for Stahl High School’s expansion project, approving a single-unit modular classroom that contains four classrooms and one bathroom to add interim capacity while the permanent project proceeds. The motion to approve the item moved forward to the regular board meeting after a voice vote.

Committee members emphasized capacity pressures at Stahl. "That school has seen a substantial increase in enrollment over the last couple of years," said Mr. Perez, describing the expansion project and the need for temporary classrooms. Committee members and staff noted Stahl’s enrollment at the 45-day count and confirmed trailers were intended as an interim measure until construction is complete.

The committee also approved a $14.6 million reallocation from Phase 4 sales-tax interest earnings to fund five capital-maintenance tasks including HVAC and ductwork replacement at Calhoun Street (and related systems at…