Berkeley County School District’s Board of Trustees have passed the final reading of a new budget that promises no tax increases on residents, and higher pay for new teachers.
Marcie Abrahamson, Chief Officer of Financial Services for the district, presented a fiscally sound, balanced budget to board members during a public hearing and board meeting held Monday night. Board members went on to pass the second and final reading of the budget.
The Board approved the district’s $485,726,324 budget – roughly $10.8 million more than last year. As part of this budget, the district will adjust its teacher salary schedule by collapsing the Bachelor’s and Bachelor’s plus 18, mirroring the state’s updated structure. The first year teacher pay will increase by $4,320 compared to last year, bringing it to $56,770. All other teachers will receive a $2,500 increase in each step of the current salary schedule.
“Our goal was to get the first year teacher salary pay to $50,000 and we definitely surpassed that,” Abrahamson said. “We are working to soon be at $60,000.”
Employees in non-teaching positions will receive a two-percent cost of living adjustment, which also reflects the state’s plans. Abrahamson said that while the district considered extending the salary schedule to 35 years, it will maintain the current 31 year salary schedule for 2025-2026 as part of a fiscally responsible approach that ensures continued progress without overextending taxpayers.
To help achieve a balanced general fund budget, the district reduced department budgets for supplies and services from $73.1 million to $65.7 million. This adjustment reflects that the district actually spent just over $63 million last year in supplies and services department budgets. By aligning the budget more closely with actual expenses, the district was able to free up funds to support salary increases for staff.
Last year, close to 85 percent of BCSD’s budget went toward salaries and benefits. This year that percentage has grown to nearly 87 percent.
“That just shows that we are taking good care of our employees and prioritizing salaries and benefits,” Abrahamson said.
Superintendent Dr. Anthony S. Dixon said this is a balanced budget that benefits both residents and BCSD employees.
"I applaud our board members for adopting a balanced budget that prioritizes both our educators and our community,” he said. “This budget delivers well-deserved salary increases for our teachers and support staff – while ensuring no tax increase for Berkeley County residents."