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Dorchester School District 4 adopts balanced $41.1 million FY27 budget, emphasizes teacher pay increases
Summary
The Dorchester School District 4 board unanimously approved a balanced fiscal year 2027 operating budget totaling $41,131,542 and highlighted raises for teachers and classified staff aimed at improving recruitment and retention.
Dorchester School District 4 — The Dorchester School District 4 board unanimously approved its fiscal year 2027 operating budget on May 19, adopting a $41,131,542 plan that officials said is balanced and prioritizes teacher and classified‑staff pay increases.
Superintendent Beck presented the budget during a public hearing and told the board the district’s priorities for FY27 are “to increase student achievement, be competitive with our teacher salaries with recruitment and retention, [and] competitive classified employee salaries,” noting expanded instructional programs and investments in facilities and materials.
The superintendent identified the district’s principal revenue sources as local property taxes and state funding, with federal pass‑throughs (Title I, II, III, CTE and IDEA) counted in special revenue. The presentation listed line items including salaries ($21,267,589), fringe benefits ($10,280,894), purchased services ($7,197,473), supplies ($2,101,452), capital ($15,000), dues and fees ($294,134) and transfers ($75,000). The presenter stated, “So we do have a balanced budget.”
Officials noted the district did not request a millage increase; millage remains at 211.6 mills. The superintendent also displayed a multi‑year history of first‑year teacher pay, showing projected first‑year pay of $53,000 in FY27 and describing roughly 25% growth in starting teacher pay over recent years.
The board moved to approve the FY27 budget during the finance portion of the meeting; the motion was made by Miss Infinger and seconded by Mr. Folk and was announced as approved unanimously by the chair. The superintendent said the district will finalize state revenue amounts when the state completes its budget and will true up the amended budget afterward if needed.
The board also heard that capital funding (bonds and state capital grants) and local increases in the value of a mill contributed to the district’s ability to increase salaries. Board members and the superintendent said they will continue to monitor county‑level developments that could bring additional funds to the district in future fiscal years.
