By Jeremy Handel, Staff Writer
The Spartanburg County School District Four Board of Trustees heard a brief presentation from Business Manager Chris Benfield about the proposed budget for the coming school year, which has increased approximately $2.5 million to $28 million.
“We won’t know the final budget until the Legislature finalizes and agrees on the state budget,” Benfield told the board but added that the district is confident the estimated budget is close to the final.
Benfield addressed information out of the Legislature regarding salary increases for teachers that was approved. The action in Columbia added $2,000 to the state minimum scale for teachers in South Carolina, meaning that teachers now start at $38,000. The increase has a minimal impact in the district as all Spartanburg County school districts are already above the state minimum scale.
Items impacting the upcoming budget, according to Benfield, include increases in supply budgets for various departments due to inflation costs and increases in benefits tied to salary increases. He said the proposed budget includes three percent pay increases for district employees.
In action items, the board unanimously approved the first reading of a recommended revision to the board policies that support the district’s decision to restrict the admission of students from outside of the district.
In past years, the district would admit students who didn’t live in the district for various reasons, including children of alumni and allowed out-of-district families to pay tuition to allow their student to attend. With the growth expected in the district, the administration determined that the district could no longer maintain these policies.
Superintendent Dr. Rallie Liston noted that the growth expected in Woodruff with several new housing developments on the books would increase the district’s population tremendously, eliminating this policy essential to maintain the level of service and education expected here.
He went on to emphasize that students who have already been approved to attend will be able to continue their education here, and children of district employees will also be able to register in Woodruff.
Trustees asked for clarification on the policy change, which will be presented for a second reading at the June meeting.
In school news:
Woodruff Primary School and Woodruff Elementary School hosted Stone Soup Storytellers for the students and welcomed the 2022 Woodruff High School graduates for their annual walk through the school.
Woodruff Middle School Principal Scott Lawson joined teacher Jami Guker at the teacher of the year gala. Ms. Guker was among the five finalists for the award.
Woodruff High School students participated in the Junior Achievement Inspire expo, where they explored various careers at the virtual career fair.
The District Four Board of Trustees meets on the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. in the district office. Meetings are open to the public.
Author: Tracy Sanders
