District reports 436‑student decline at 45‑day count; officials say state funding method could magnify impacts

KERSHAW COUNTY — District leaders told the school board on Jan. 27 that the 45‑day average daily membership count is down 436 students districtwide, a loss officials said could have multi‑front impacts on state funding and local staffing plans.

"So overall, we're down 436 students," Dr. Goodwin said during the enrollment presentation, noting declines at multiple grade levels and naming three Camden‑area elementary schools — Camden Elementary, Jackson Elementary and Pine Tree Hill — among the most affected. He said Pine Tree Hill was down about 72 students and Camden Elementary about 86.

Dr. Goodwin highlighted an especially large drop in kindergarten enrollment: "We only have 48 students in kindergarten there," he said, contrasting kindergarten with higher grades that have larger cohorts. District leaders said the loss is not driven solely by a new charter school in the Camden area; they cited increases in homeschooling and virtual charter participation as contributors.

Board members asked how state funding could respond. Mr. Willard and Dr. Goodwin explained the state uses a proportionate‑share method — what they called "one pie" — to allocate funds. That means if many districts lose students, local funding outcomes depend on the statewide redistribution. Mr. Willard warned the district must "address" reduced enrollment to avoid long‑term fiscal stress and said the district will be conservative in staffing decisions.

A board member raised concerns about voucher programs and accountability, asking whether voucher money has reduced local funding without performance oversight. Dr. Goodwin said a report on voucher impacts was expected from the state but that "the raw data is not there" and that the Department of Education may not be able to produce the analysis for the past year.

Officials said they will continue budget preparations with principals and return to the board with updated projections once January payment adjustments and the 40th/fifth‑day calculations post. Board members also discussed near‑term housing developments and the possibility that some students will return as new homes are occupied over the next one to two years.

The board did not take formal action on enrollment at the meeting; staff recommended further analysis and conservative staffing plans as the district finalizes budget work.