Greenville County Schools board adopts FY25 general fund budget, approves 1.5-mill increase and employee pay steps

The Greenville County Schools Board of Trustees approved the FY25 general fund budget following a public hearing and extended board debate, voting 8-4 to accept the administration's recommendation, which includes a 1.5-mill tax increase and step and salary adjustments for staff.

Dr. Royster presented the budget, saying pay and personnel account for the overwhelming share of the district's spending: "If you look at the '24 general fund budget, $795,800,000 goes to salaries and benefits," he said, outlining major allocations to teachers and aides and detailed proposals for the coming year. The recommended package includes a $2,700 increase to every step on the Greenville teacher salary schedule, an entry-level teacher salary set at $50,503, a district minimum hourly wage proposal of $16.08, a minimum 3.5% step increase for eligible nonteacher employees, and a 5% increase for nurses.

Why it mattered: teachers who spoke at the public hearing urged the board to approve the budget and the pay increases. "By…