During their regular meeting Tuesday, the Anderson School District One Board of Trustees unanimously approved a revised version of the 2012-13 budget reflecting revenue increases provided by the SC Senate. According to Superintendent Dr. Wayne Fowler, the Senate version includes $292 million to pay for incremental teacher raises in addition to the two percent pay increase provided under the House version. The funding provided by the Senate amounts to an additional $1,308,308 for School District One.
The funding is being provided through two sources, Education Foundations (Hold Harmless) of $774,731 and teacher salary support of $533,577. District One Finance Director Steve Uldrick said the funding likely be placed in the State’s EIA fund.
The additional funding will allow District One to include another step up on salary levels for years of experience, bringing the district pay level to where it would have been before budget cuts over the last 2-3 years.
The funding also provides for additional money to cover increases in electricity, water and sewer utility bills and restoration of technology and repairs and maintenance budgets that had been cut.
The budget includes a property tax increase of 5.1 mills which will generate an additional $472,489 to the budget. The increase will be on business, rental and income properties.
Total anticipated revenue for the District One budget is $54,984,636 and expected expenses are $55,751,513.
The difference of $766,877 will be covered by transferring money from the fund balance, which presently stands at $10.2 million, Dr. Fowler said.
The Board also revised several policies dealing with bullying and used of technology and approve personnel recommendations during the meeting.
