Spartanburg Dist. 1 board votes to commit $12 million for future building projects

The Spartanburg County School District 1 Board on Monday voted unanimously to commit $12,000,000 from its general fund balance to be reserved for future building projects and land acquisition.

Miss Lacey Brady, the district finance director, presented three scenarios showing the effect of different commitment levels on the district's fund balance. "So, if we move $10,000,000 that will leave us sitting at about 22%," Brady told the board; she said moving $11 million would leave about 20.6% and $12 million would leave roughly 19%. Brady noted the South Carolina Department of Education requires districts to retain at least 8.33% of general fund expenditures as unassigned fund balance to avoid fiscal watch.

Board members pressed administration on how the committed funds could be used and whether board approval would be required for spending. Brady said the funds would remain in the general fund but be "committed" for building projects or land acquisition and that any spending would require subsequent board approval. Dr. Smith reiterated the board's oversight role and described commitment as a protective measure: it "takes it, and you the board would have to vote to move it back" if the board later chose a different use.

Miss Fowler moved to commit the $12,000,000 scenario and Mr. Banford seconded. The motion passed by voice vote with no recorded dissent.

Board members framed the commitment as contingency planning for possible shortfalls if a bond referendum does not pass and as a way to keep funds available for urgent capital needs. Several members asked that any future uses be brought back for explicit board approval.

The board moved on to other business after the vote; the finance director said the district's audit was progressing on schedule.

The commitment does not itself authorize spending; it changes how the fund balance is classified and requires further board action before any of the $12 million is spent.