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Richland School District 2 presents balanced FY2026–27 budget proposal with step increases and $19.2M in reductions
Summary
At a May 12 first reading, district leaders presented a $396.3 million base FY2026–27 general fund proposal balanced through $19.2 million in expenditure reductions, targeted step and salary increases and one-time uses of fund balance; the board took no final vote tonight.
Richland School District 2 leaders presented the superintendent's first reading of the FY2026–27 general fund budget on May 12, outlining a plan the administration says balances the budget without a millage increase by combining new local revenue, $19.2 million in expenditure reductions and limited use of fund balance.
Dr. Moore (Superintendent) said the district expects a net revenue increase of $1,556,936 for next fiscal year — the net result of an estimated $4.9 million decrease in state revenue offset by an approximately $6.7 million increase in local revenue — and that the administration developed a $19.2 million expenditure-reduction plan to stabilize finances. "Because of the new revenue and expenditure reductions, we are able tonight to present you a balanced base budget of $396.3 million with a 0 mil increase," Dr. Moore said.
The proposal funds a set of personnel and program priorities the administration described as focused on compensation, special-education compliance, safety and academic supports. Key recurring requests in the package include funding to provide teacher step increases (two recurring $2.3 million items described by staff), a 2.5% teacher salary increase (presented as an approximately $5 million item intended to raise the district's starting teacher salary), targeted 2% increases for bus drivers and other employees, and 18 positions (seven teachers and 11 assistants) to support special-education compliance. The plan also includes: a $2.5 million recurring transfer of CTE expenditures to the CTE EIA appropriation; an estimated $38,928 increase for SRO costs with the Richland County Sheriff's Department; $125,000 to move a professional-development platform into the base budget; and a proposed $6.5 million one-time retention bonus pool for eligible employees.
Board members asked for clarifications about elements that will affect ongoing costs. Miss Williams asked specifically about McKinney-Vento transportation funding and whether staff will continue to pursue Medicaid reimbursements; Dr. Moore said the district will continue to pursue reimbursements while planning for the service in the baseline budget because current reimbursements are insufficient. "We're researching why our Medicaid reimbursements are down," Dr. Moore said, noting that the transportation need continues to grow and the $550,000 estimate could be higher in future years.
Trustees praised the mix of targeted raises and workforce supports. Miss Porter said the budget "reflects that we are listening" to staff and parents by prioritizing step increases, additional special-education classrooms, bus monitors to address behavior and retention, and library funding. Mr. Dennis highlighted the administration's plan to repay a prior $5 million from fund balance used in FY25 as a way of restoring fiscal flexibility.
This was a first reading; the board did not adopt the budget tonight. Administrators said they will return with final figures and any state aid updates anticipated in early June.
