News Summary
The Charleston County School Board has approved significant pay raises for board members and teachers in a new budget, increasing board member compensation and enhancing teacher salaries. The new budget allocates substantial funds aimed at attracting and retaining quality educators while remaining fiscally responsible. With the goal of positioning the school district as a leader in teacher compensation, the budget includes salary increases for all teaching and non-teaching staff, along with strategic investments in student support services.
Charleston, SC – The Charleston County School Board has approved significant pay raises for both board members and teachers in a new budget, marking a pivotal moment in improving education compensation in the region. The compensation for board members will increase from $800 to $1,750 per month, translating to an increase of over 50%.
This new salary structure aligns board member pay to that of classified employees, with automatic adjustments tied to staff salary raises. For instance, if classified staff receive a 5% salary increase, board members will receive the same percentage increase in their compensation. This policy is seen as a means to ensure that school board salaries remain competitive and reflective of the financial responsibilities they manage.
Critically, the pay increase aligns Charleston County School District (CCSD) board member compensation with salaries of other government leaders in the area. Members of the Charleston County Council and City of Charleston Council earn between $1,728 and $2,000 monthly. This adjustment is intended to attract diverse candidates to the school board and reflect the increased demands of managing a larger budget and workforce compared to city or county roles.
The pay raises for board members are set to take effect with the upcoming budget cycle, which starts next month. The new fiscal year 2025-2026 budget was approved by a vote of 8-1 on May 19, totaling $1.76 billion. Key allocations in the budget include a $4,000 salary increase for all teachers, which aims to position CCSD as the highest-paying district for teachers in the Southeast, with new teachers starting at a salary of $64,782.
Additionally, non-teaching staff will receive a 3% raise, while principals and administrative staff will see a 6% salary increase. This comprehensive approach to salary enhancements reflects Superintendent Anita Huggins’ commitment to investing in the quality of education and improving teacher retention and recruitment efforts. The budget also introduces 42.5 new positions focused on school-based roles to bolster student support and expand daycare programs for employees.
As part of the financial planning, CCSD will also reduce employee costs for after-school care by 50%. Furthermore, there are increases in funding directed toward charter schools and adjustments to the weighted student funding formula, which seeks to allocate resources more equitably among schools.
Importantly, the budget has been balanced without imposing tax increases, aiming for long-term sustainability that allows for potential future raises. Board members emphasized the significance of supporting all school employees, acknowledging the critical role each member of the education system plays in student success.
While the budget reflects a strong commitment to employee compensation, board member Michele Leber raised concerns regarding the effectiveness of computer-based learning and called for increased community involvement in educational initiatives. These discussions highlight an ongoing commitment among board members to address the multifaceted needs of the education sector.
Overall, the Charleston County School Board’s new budget and salary adjustments signify a progressive step toward enhancing educational outcomes and employee satisfaction, ensuring that the region’s schools continue to attract and retain dedicated professionals. The comprehensive nature of the budget aims not only to meet immediate compensation needs but also to lay a foundation for sustainable growth and improvement in the Charleston education system.
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: Charleston County School District Board Votes to Grant Its Members a Raise
- ABC News 4: Charleston County School Board Approves Historic $1.76B Budget
- Count On 2: Charleston County School District Proposes Teacher Salary Increase
- Post and Courier: CCSD Proposal for Entry-Level Teacher Pay Increase
- ABC News 4: Proposed Pay Hike May Make Charleston County Teachers Highest Paid in Southeast

Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The HERE Charleston Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Charleston community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Charleston : Our team includes lifelong Charleston residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Charleston's equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., Charleston Technical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Charleston Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.