Finance director: 5.9% enrollment drop cost Colleton schools about $1.7 million

Miss Barrett, the district finance director, told the board the budget schedule runs January through March, with the first draft due in April, and highlighted two items shaping next year’s revenue outlook: the governor’s proposed budget and a recent decline in the district’s 45‑day Average Daily Membership (ADM).

"Well, on our 45 day ADM, we had a decrease of 5.9% ... and that equate to $1,700,000 right now that's we're gonna be losing for funding," Miss Barrett said, adding that the change equates to about $292,000 less in revenue per month and that the district had 244 fewer students compared with last year's 135‑day count. She warned the board that additional counts (the 135‑day count in March/April) could change final funding.

Barrett also summarized aspects of the governor’s proposals referenced in the presentation: a cited $2.7 billion state surplus, a proposed increase in starting teacher pay from $48,500 to $50,500 and a $150 million allocation for teacher pay increases. She reminded the board that the state typically funds 75% of a legislated salary increase, leaving a local share (25%) to be covered by districts.

Board members responded with questions about the expenditures and revenue comparisons on the spreadsheet shown, asked for dates related to the budget calendar and noted that local revenue had increased due to a three‑mill tax increase this year. The finance director said the administration will continue to monitor ADM counts and related revenue and would provide detailed budget dates and materials to the board.