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Trustees hear data showing reading gains and approve FY2027 budget first reading
Summary
At the April 27 meeting trustees heard spring projections showing reading growth across grades and subgroups and approved the first reading of the district’s FY2027 budget; staff announced a forthcoming public transparency portal.
Charleston County School District trustees on April 27 received presentations showing spring-to-spring gains in reading and modest growth in math and approved the first reading of the FY2027 budget.
District staff presented projections for grades three through five that showed roughly six-point increases in reading projections from last spring and projected proficiency approaching 70 percent in some grade bands. Presenters attributed gains to layered supports including Weighted Student Funding (WSF), an afterschool literacy program (Amira) used by about 1,100 students, and targeted tutoring pilots in grades 3–5 in the district’s elevation schools.
“Reading projections growth show consistent growth over time,” the presentation stated, and staff noted subgroup improvements, including double-digit gains for students with disabilities in reading projections.
Presenters said math growth lagged reading but still showed gains after implementation of a new math curriculum (Eureka Math). Staff acknowledged extra supports will be needed for students with disabilities and cited targeted summer work and coaching to strengthen Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions.
On the budget, the board approved the first reading of the FY2027 budget by voice vote. The CFO explained the budget reduces projected nutrition-service revenue by about $1.5 million because of lower meal participation; expenditures were adjusted correspondingly. Trustees praised a more detailed budget document and the district’s move to WSF, which was noted in a credit-rating validation earlier in the month.
Staff also said the district has completed an 'all funds' transparency portal that will go live alongside approval of the second reading next month, bringing interactive financial reporting and live data to the public.
Trustees asked for follow-ups: a deeper look into which schools experienced declines in meal participation and more details on WSF subgroup results; staff agreed to provide additional breakdowns.
The board moved on to other agenda items after the vote; trustees scheduled follow-up budget and committee meetings in May.
