Charleston, South Carolina, August 13, 2025
News Summary
Charleston County Schools is gearing up for the academic year with over 50,000 students returning to fully staffed classrooms. Significant upgrades include a new curriculum, a badge system for school safety, and increased funding for supporting multilingual learners and students in need. With $50 million invested in renovations, the district aims to enhance facilities and ensure a smooth start to the school year.
Charleston, South Carolina — As the academic year kicks off, over 50,000 students in Charleston County Schools (CCSD) are set to return to the classroom, with the district highlighting significant upgrades and new initiatives for the 2025-2026 school year.
This year, classrooms across the district are fully staffed, and a newly implemented curriculum is ready to meet the needs of the diverse student body. Key adjustments include the introduction of new state-wide math standards for all students, and the continuation of the English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum rolled out in the previous year.
CCSD is particularly focused on enhancing support for multilingual learners, students living in poverty, and those with disabilities. Their strategy involves the Weighted Student Formula, which has seen funding increase from $32 million in its introductory year to $36 million for the 2025-2026 school year. This initiative aims to bolster academic success and improve graduation rates among these targeted groups.
In an effort to ensure school safety, a new initiative has been launched that includes a badge system across all 90 school sites. Each staff member will have access to a wearable panic button, allowing them to request assistance or initiate lockdown procedures rapidly in case of an emergency.
Over the summer, CCSD has also completed more than 90 renovation projects, investing approximately $50 million in capital improvements aimed at upgrading the district’s infrastructure. Notable renovations have included the construction of an athletic field house at Baptist Hill High School, replacement of HVAC units at Haut Gap Middle School, and interior improvements at Wando High School. Additionally, all 80 schools underwent air ventilation testing to ensure proper airflow.
As part of the ongoing development, new canopies now connect the middle and high school buildings at Baptist Hill, and plans are underway for the second phase of the field house renovation to begin this fall. Furthermore, CCSD is working on a funding plan to address stormwater management issues, which includes repairing storm drains and enhancing drainage facilities on school properties.
The CCSD’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget stands at $1.7 billion, with the general operating fund reaching $915 million, a $65 million increase compared to the previous year. A distinctive aspect of the district’s funding model is its reliance on local property taxes, which is relatively uncommon in South Carolina. In line with budget enhancements, teacher salaries also saw a substantial increase, growing from $56,000 to nearly $65,000, alongside a $4,000 increment for each step in the pay scale. Salary adjustments were similarly extended to principals, administrators, and non-certified staff.
At the start of the school year, CCSD has successfully filled all 56 new positions, resulting in zero staffing vacancies. The Weighted Student Formula continues to be a pivotal component of the district’s planning for future needs, fostering strategic investments in both personnel and safety. Though federal revenue constitutes a small portion of the budget, CCSD has established contingency plans to adapt to potential changes in funding.
FAQs
What new initiatives has CCSD launched for the 2025-2026 school year?
CCSD is implementing state-wide math standards, continuing its ELA curriculum, enhancing support for multilingual learners and students in poverty through the Weighted Student Formula, and introducing a new school safety initiative with a badge system.
How much funding is allocated for the Weighted Student Formula?
For the 2025-26 school year, funding for the Weighted Student Formula has increased from $32 million to $36 million.
What safety measures are being introduced in CCSD schools?
CCSD has introduced a badge system across all school sites, and each staff member will wear a panic button to request help or initiate lockdown procedures.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | Over 50,000 students |
| Funding for Weighted Student Formula | $36 million for 2025-26 |
| Safety Initatives | Badge system and panic buttons |
| Renovation Projects | Over 90 completed projects with $50 million investment |
| Fiscal Year 2026 Budget | $1.7 billion |
| Teacher Salary Increase | From $56,000 to nearly $65,000 |
| Staff Positions | All 56 new positions filled |
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Additional Resources
- ABC News 4: Charleston County Schools Welcome Students Back
- Live 5 News: Charleston County Students Returning to Renovated Learning Environments
- Live 5 News: How Charleston County School District is Using Local Tax Dollars
- Wikipedia: Charleston County School District
- Google Search: Charleston County school initiatives 2025
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