Beaufort County board certifies $395.3 million budget for 2026–27 with no millage increase

The Beaufort County Board of Education voted May 19 to approve and certify the district’s proposed fiscal year 2026–27 budgets, a move the board said preserves services without raising the local millage rate. The board approved a general fund budget described by staff as approximately $395,300,000 and a debt service budget of $120,907,292.

District staff told the board the budget prioritizes instruction and student support, which the presentation listed at about $237,200,000 (roughly 60% of the proposed general fund), with operations and maintenance at about $63,000,000. Staff also said the proposal includes a proposed starting teacher salary of $62,587 — a $2,500 increase — and a $1,500 locality supplement for starting teachers. Classified and administrative employees were offered a proposed 3% increase plus step movement.

The board’s vote followed questions from members about how the package addresses teacher pay and uncertified staff raises. One board member asked for clarity on where long-standing board questions had been answered; staff pointed to scheduled salary schedule increases, a proposed classified salary study, and continued emphasis on balancing state and local revenue projections.

After discussion, a motion to approve and certify the general fund budget was properly moved and seconded and carried by voice vote; the board later approved the debt service budget in a separate motion. The district’s presenter reiterated that the budget would not increase the operational millage rate, which staff listed at 126.1 mills, and that the debt service millage would remain at 36.3.

Board members who asked for follow-up were told staff would provide additional breakdowns on teacher pay and on how the district tracks expenditures against approved project budgets. The board did not alter millage rates in the motions it approved.