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Hampton school board adopts 2026–27 budget, citing state pay increases and balanced reserves
Summary
The Hampton County School District board approved its fiscal 2026–27 budget after a third reading; the CFO said the budget reflects state teacher pay increases and uses a portion of fund balance and transfers to present a balanced budget. The vote was unanimous.
The Hampton County School District Board of Trustees approved the district’s fiscal year 2026–27 budget at its June 16 meeting, a unanimous 7–0 vote after a third reading presented by Chief Financial Officer Kathy Clarkia.
Clarkia told trustees the budget incorporates recent state actions — including a $2,000 teacher pay increase adopted in the House Ways and Means language she reviewed — while retirement and employer health‑insurance contributions remain unchanged. She said the board took the finalized county assessed values to county council and that the council approved the millage rate calculation that underpins local revenue estimates.
The CFO reviewed key figures provided in the budget packet: local revenue listed at $12,387,219; transfers of $3,453,457; and state reimbursements of $20,660,590, which the CFO presented as the principal revenue sources supporting a total budget package shown in the materials. Clarkia also highlighted personnel expenditures — salaries of $18,448,362 and fringe benefits of $9,196,838 — and explained how moving some fund balance into a capital fund would protect reserves while allowing for planned capital spending.
Board member Foy asked whether differences between the second and third readings reflected final assessed values and the CPI/millage calculations; Clarkia said the county’s reassessment and agreement with the auditor adjusted several inputs and that county council had approved the resulting package. After brief discussion on those technical points, Foy moved and Priest seconded adoption of the budget as presented.
The board’s action authorizes staff to proceed with fiscal-year operations under the adopted revenue and expenditure assumptions. Clarkia cautioned that the district is closely monitoring vacancies and class-size funding needs as the administration begins planning for the 2027–28 budget cycle.
The board approved the budget by voice vote; the motion carried 7–0.
The superintendent said staff would continue work to align the position-control registry and to identify vacancies and other adjustments needed as the year opens.
