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Orangeburg school board adopts $161.38 million FY27 budget with teacher pay increases and bonuses
Summary
The Orangeburg County School District board approved a $161,382,698 general fund budget for fiscal year 2026–27 that includes a $2,000 across‑the‑board teacher salary increase, raises to starting pay and $1,000 retention and signing bonuses; the vote was unanimous.
The Orangeburg County School District Board of Trustees voted June 9 to adopt the fiscal year 2026–27 general fund budget, approving a $161,382,698 spending plan that officials said does not require a millage increase.
Assistant Superintendent of Finance Gail Sanders told the board the district’s proposed FY27 budget includes local revenue of about $59.9 million, state reimbursements near $29.9 million and other sources that together total $159.1 million in recurring revenue; the plan relies on $2.2 million from fund balance to reach the $161.3 million figure. "This budget will require the use of our fund balance of 2.2 million," Sanders said during the presentation.
Key priorities built into the budget are a $2,000 increase across the teacher salary schedule, a new starting teacher salary of $50,500, a 2% increase for bus drivers, a $1,000 retention bonus for all employees (half for part‑time staff) and a $1,000 signing bonus for new teachers. The proposal also funds one additional security officer at a new site, a secondary math coordinator, three FTEs for adult education and continued Medicaid support services for eligible students.
Board members asked how sustainable the increases are; Sanders and finance staff said the district expects to cover the costs while reducing reliance on fund balance compared with the prior year (when $5.8 million was required). "We should be able to sustain it," Sanders said, and noted that last year’s draw on fund balance was larger.
After discussion, a trustee moved to accept the second and final reading of the proposed budget as presented; the motion was seconded and carried with no opposition. Chair Brunson read the board’s formal announcement of the budget’s approval, emphasizing investments in instruction, employee support and school safety.
Officials cautioned the board that the state budget had not yet been finalized and that any material state funding changes could require the board to reconvene and adjust the plan. The district said it will publish final details once all state allocations are confirmed.
