June 4, 2025

Charleston County School Board Approves Historic Budget

News Summary

The Charleston County School Board has approved a historic budget of $1.76 billion for the upcoming academic year, focusing on teacher compensation and educational quality. The budget includes a significant salary increase for teachers and support for diverse learners. Despite concerns from a board member, the budget is seen as a sustainable investment in the district’s future, setting the stage for improved educational outcomes.

Charleston, SC – The Charleston County School Board of Trustees approved a historic budget of $1.76 billion for the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year in a decisive 8-1 vote on Monday. This budget marks a significant increase in funding aimed primarily at enhancing the quality of education within the district.

The budget allocates $915.2 million to the general operating fund, representing an increase of $65 million compared to the previous year. A primary focus of the budget is on improving teacher compensation to attract and retain quality educators. The approved budget includes a $4,000 salary increase for teachers, raising entry-level pay to almost $65,000, positioning Charleston County as the district with the highest-paid teachers in the Southeast region.

In addition to teachers, non-teaching staff will benefit from a 3% pay raise, while principals and administrative personnel will see their salaries rise by 6%. This strategy is part of a wider initiative to strengthen recruitment and retention efforts for talented teachers and contributes to the overall commitment to educational excellence in the district.

Without imposing tax increases, officials have characterized the budget as sustainable. Funding for the weighted student funding formula, which supports students facing economic challenges, multilingual learners, and those with disabilities, will increase from $32 million to $36 million. Charter schools will also receive an enhanced allocation of $8 million, further expanding resources available to all types of educational institutions within the district.

The budget’s quick passage allows for a month-long preparation period before the July 1, 2025, implementation date of the new funding plan. This streamlined budget process received favorable comments from board members, who recognized it as a notable improvement from previous years.

However, the budget did face some opposition. Board member Michele Leber cast the lone vote against the budget, citing concerns over funding for computer-based learning and the need for increased community involvement. Regardless of the dissenting opinion, Superintendent Anita Huggins underscored the budget’s alignment with the district’s goals of ensuring access and excellence for all students.

The recent approval signifies a significant step for Charleston County, focusing not only on current educational frameworks but also on making long-term investments in the workforce that shapes the district’s future. The enhancements in teacher salaries and support for diverse learners are expected to pave the way for improved educational outcomes in the coming years.

As the education landscape continues to evolve, Charleston County School District’s decisive budget choices reflect an ongoing commitment to prioritize student success and staff retention, setting a promising tone for the 2025-2026 academic year.

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Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.