School Board Approves $1.18M Budget Increase for Cleaning Services and Local Revenue Projections
August 01, 2025 | Kershaw 01, School Districts, South Carolina
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The Kershaw County School Board convened on August 1, 2025, to discuss significant updates to the district's budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting primarily focused on adjustments to expenditures, particularly in cleaning services and property insurance, as well as overall revenue projections.
The board reviewed an increase in the budget for contracted cleaning services, raising the allocation from $2.2 million to $3.32 million. This adjustment aims to restore cleaning service budgets to pre-COVID levels. The discussion highlighted the importance of maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in schools, which is crucial for student health and safety.
Additionally, the board noted an expected increase in property insurance costs, adjusting the budget from $610,000 to an estimated $700,000. These changes contributed to an overall increase in expenses of $1.18 million, bringing the total from $126.3 million to $127.5 million. However, the board clarified that this increase would not impact the general fund budget negatively, as it would be offset by a capital transfer of $1.12 million into the general fund.
The meeting also addressed updates in state and local revenue projections. The district anticipates a slight increase in state revenue, particularly from retiree insurance, and a significant boost in local revenue, primarily from ad valorem and delinquent taxes, which is expected to rise by approximately $980,000. These adjustments have reduced the projected budget shortfall from $3.974 million to $2.948 million.
The board emphasized its commitment to supporting personnel and maintaining staffing levels, which are essential for providing quality education. The budget discussions underscored the ongoing challenges of balancing state and local funding, with the current split being approximately 65% state and 35% local for mandated costs, and 70% state and 30% local for non-mandated expenses.
In conclusion, the Kershaw County School Board's meeting highlighted critical budgetary adjustments aimed at enhancing school operations while ensuring financial stability. The board plans to continue monitoring revenue and expenditure trends as they finalize the budget for the 2025-2026 school year.
The board reviewed an increase in the budget for contracted cleaning services, raising the allocation from $2.2 million to $3.32 million. This adjustment aims to restore cleaning service budgets to pre-COVID levels. The discussion highlighted the importance of maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in schools, which is crucial for student health and safety.
Additionally, the board noted an expected increase in property insurance costs, adjusting the budget from $610,000 to an estimated $700,000. These changes contributed to an overall increase in expenses of $1.18 million, bringing the total from $126.3 million to $127.5 million. However, the board clarified that this increase would not impact the general fund budget negatively, as it would be offset by a capital transfer of $1.12 million into the general fund.
The meeting also addressed updates in state and local revenue projections. The district anticipates a slight increase in state revenue, particularly from retiree insurance, and a significant boost in local revenue, primarily from ad valorem and delinquent taxes, which is expected to rise by approximately $980,000. These adjustments have reduced the projected budget shortfall from $3.974 million to $2.948 million.
The board emphasized its commitment to supporting personnel and maintaining staffing levels, which are essential for providing quality education. The budget discussions underscored the ongoing challenges of balancing state and local funding, with the current split being approximately 65% state and 35% local for mandated costs, and 70% state and 30% local for non-mandated expenses.
In conclusion, the Kershaw County School Board's meeting highlighted critical budgetary adjustments aimed at enhancing school operations while ensuring financial stability. The board plans to continue monitoring revenue and expenditure trends as they finalize the budget for the 2025-2026 school year.
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