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Clover trustees get preliminary budget outlook tied to opening three new schools; staff, transportation and substitutes flagged
Summary
Board members heard preliminary estimates showing approximately 20.5 new teacher FTEs (before a DoD-funded ROC instructor reduces one position), a roughly $1.3 million teacher-pay funding gap from state contributions, and operational pressure including $3.6 million in utility costs and potential substitute‑budget reductions.
At a special work session, the Clover School District Board of Trustees reviewed an early budget projection tied to opening three new school footprints in 2026–27 and discussed staffing, operations and options to balance a growing expense base.
Dr. Quinn and Mr. Love led the presentation. Dr. Quinn described the district's three revenue streams (state aid to classrooms/EIA, local tax revenues influenced by Act 388, and federal funds such as IDEA and Title programs) and said state sources currently account for roughly 48% of the district's general fund. She outlined the new positions needed for Liberty Hill (elementary), a new middle school (Roosevelt), Lake W[ ] High and adjustments at Clover High, reporting a preliminary total of about "20.5 teachers" in growth positions before offsets.
Mr. Love reviewed non‑salary operating costs and budget methodology. He highlighted utilities as a significant line: "We spend $3.6 million for utilities of heat, lights, and water," he said, noting that a modest percentage increase in those lines produces substantial dollar impacts. The presentation also noted a Department of Defense approval that will fund the ROC instructor—reducing the district's FTE need by about 1.5 positions.
On compensation, administrators presented a projected teacher salary schedule cost increase (including steps and proposed slot increases) of about $2.6 million; they said the state funding package reviewed by the House would cover roughly $1.2 million of that, leaving an estimated local shortfall near $1.3 million. Combined with operating and new‑school costs, administrators described a significant gap to address. Options discussed with the board included increasing class size (a last resort), reducing non‑instructional support, cutting or consolidating programs, tightening substitute budgets (including eliminating some permanent building subs), limiting travel, and pursuing energy‑efficiency and other targeted reductions.
Board members repeatedly asked for detail on how many TAs and certified teachers were reallocated versus newly hired, asked for a stipends list, and pressed on the operational impacts of any cuts. Administrators said they will continue evaluating resignations before backfilling, run surveys of middle-college students about driving vs. bus needs (to reduce midday York Tech routes), and return with refined revenue/rate scenarios at the May work session and a final budget by the end of May if the legislature acts on state funding.
A motion to adjourn closed the special-called meeting.
