The Spartanburg District Five Schools Board of Trustees has unanimously approved an $85.7 million budget for the 2018-19 fiscal year. That's a 5.3 percent increase over the previous year and is the 9th consecutive year no millage increase for the general operating side of the budget.
Enrollment growth will result in an increase in the district’s debt service millage this year, although the exact amount will remain unknown until tax assessments are released later in the fall. This increase is scheduled to fund the construction of a classroom expansion at Abner Creek Academy.
Significant highlights include:
• 23.1 additional positions to accommodate district growth and new programs.
• $4.1 million more in personnel costs due to salary and retirement increases.
• $545,000 for safety and security improvements to include school resource officers for all District Five schools, metal detectors for athletic and other special events, security cameras and school entrance upgrades.
The budget has been finalized by the board of trustees but remains contingent upon action by the South Carolina legislature, and the approval of an overall budget for the state for this fiscal year. Should there be changes or cuts in the funding provided to the state’s schools, District Five is prepared to alter its budget.