Revised school budget includes additional $1.3 million

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During their regular monthly 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 of the state budget included $292 million to pay for incremental teacher raises in addition to the two percent pay increase provided by the House version. The funding provided by the Senate amounts to an additional $1,308,308 for the School District One budget.

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 will be placed in the State’s EIA fund for distribution to school districts.

The additional funding will allow District One to include another step up on salary levels based on years of teaching experience, bringing the district pay level to where it would have been before the increases were put on hold due to budget cuts made 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 funding for technology and repairs and maintenance budgets.

District technology will be funded at $244,000 while repairs and maintenance will be funded at $95,660.

Both line items had been greatly reduced in the draft budget done before the additional money came available.

The budget includes a 5.1 millage cap on property tax to offset inflation and growth which will generate an additional $472,489 to the budget.

Anticipated revenue for the District One budget is $54,984,636 and expenses of $55,751,513.

The difference of $766,877 will be covered by transferring from the fund balance, which presently stands at $10.2 million, Dr. Fowler said.

The budget will be presented to the County Board at 5 p.m. June 12 for final approval.

The Board also approved revised policies dealing with bullying and use of technology and approved personnel recommendations during the meeting.

Outgoing Palmetto High Principal Dr. Mason Gary was recognized by the Board for being named the SCAAEOP Administrator of the Year. Superintendent Fowler presented Dr. Gary with a plaque recognizing the achievement.

The Palmetto High AA State Championship Softball Team was also recognized by the Board.

Team members, coaches and some parents were present for the recognition which included presentation of a plaque.