During its June 29 meeting, the Berkeley County Board of Education approved the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 General Fund Budget, a $517,931,159 financial plan that invests in students and employees while making responsible use of taxpayer dollars.
Key components of the proposed FY 2026-2027 budget include:
A step increase AND a 2% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for all eligible employees, including eligible teachers compensated on the Doctorate Salary Schedule
Increase in first-year teacher salary to $57,905
Continuation of the district's 31-year salary schedule
$1,554,000 in additional special education positions to support growing student needs
No increase to the overall tax rate; total millage remains at 196.9 mills
A decrease in Debt Service millage from 55 mills to 50 mills
An increase in School Operating millage from 141.9 mills to 146.9 mills
Designates $1.9 million in legal settlement funds as a contingency against potential budget variances
No use of fund balance (district savings), ensuring recurring expenses are supported by recurring revenue sources
Superintendent Dr. Anthony Dixon said the adopted budget reflects months of collaboration and strategic decision-making designed to build on the district's recent academic progress and workforce stability while maintaining long-term fiscal responsibility.
"Over the past four years, Berkeley County School District has experienced significant growth and achievement," Dixon said. "While we are proud that our district has no schools rated Unsatisfactory and that we've retained more than 93% of our teachers, we are not satisfied. We remain committed to continuous improvement and to ensuring our time, talent and resources remain focused where they matter most, in the classroom."
As part of the budget, the district has consolidated senior leadership responsibilities and positions, repurposed positions to increase support for curriculum and instruction, and redirected resources to better meet student needs while maintaining fiscal stability. These changes strengthen support for students while preserving positions for current employees.
Dixon emphasized that every aspect of a school system contributes to student success.
“Education is not a linear system,” Dixon shared at Monday night’s meeting. “Students need excellent teachers, safe schools, nutritious meals, reliable transportation, dependable technology, strong leadership and the academic and social-emotional supports that allow them to grow and succeed. This budget supports each of those critical areas.”
The adopted budget reflects the district’s commitment to strengthening schools while minimizing the financial impact on the community.
“This is what responsible governance looks like,” Dixon said. “We are prioritizing needs, making thoughtful decisions with existing resources, and protecting the investments that matter most for students and employees. By reallocating existing millage rather than increasing taxes, we are able to continue investing in students and employees while avoiding additional financial burden on Berkeley County families. Because many district employees also live within the county, the approach helps protect their take home pay.”
Following the budget’s approval, Dixon thanked the Board of Education and district leadership for their partnership throughout the process and reaffirmed the district’s commitment to keeping students at the center of every decision.
To review the full budget presentation, CLICK HERE.
The adopted budget builds upon the progress and momentum BCSD has achieved in recent years. To learn more about the accomplishments, strategic priorities, and the story behind the FY 2026-2027 budget, CLICK HERE.