Board hears first reading of FY27 budget, tables final action to executive session

The Cherokee County School Board received the first reading of the fiscal year 2027 general fund budget and then voted to table final action until after an executive session on personnel.

Administration’s presenter, introduced during the meeting as Mr. Pettit, told the board that software configuration errors had led to miscalculated salary projections and that a $1,200,000 substitute-teacher line had been added. "We discovered that vacant positions were not tied correctly in the system," the presenter said, describing adjustments that raised projected revenue to $105,442,569 and explaining scenario 1 — a 3% across-the-board pay increase (teachers would average about 4% including step increases).

Board members pressed administration about alternate scenarios and a planned salary study. One trustee asked whether assistant principals and principals — who board members said lag neighboring districts — should receive larger increases; the presenter said a salary study is being scoped with a consultant and would be completed in early fall or possibly late winter. After debate, the board moved and unanimously approved a motion to table the budget first reading so members could discuss specific positions and personnel in executive session.