Board approves FY2526 budget after revisions; cleaning contract and salary study drive main changes

The Kershaw County School Board approved the FY2526 general fund budget on second reading after staff presented updated revenue projections and a set of expense changes. Finance staff said revisions since the first reading have reduced the shortfall the district previously reported.

“We think that what we’re bringing you tonight, it reflects the final state budget,” said Mr. Willard (staff), introducing the second reading. He said final state veto activity was not expected to change the education lines the district used for planning.

Key changes presented to the board included an increase in contracted cleaning services, an upward adjustment to property insurance, small shifts in supplies and equipment, and updated local revenue projections. Mr. Willard noted the cleaning services line was increased from an earlier $2.2 million to $3,320,000 “which is roughly our annual cost for contracted cleaning services.” He said the…