Charleston County schools explore weighted funding model for 2025 Budget

Charleston County schools consider weighted funding model ahead of 2025 Fiscal Budget

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — Pandemic-era programs that added funding to school districts are coming to an end. Local school districts are preparing for the financial pinch that is expected without things like ESSER funds. It is a significant concern for the Charleston County School District as leaders work on the 2025 Fiscal Budget. This year’s budget is expected to be impacted.

Financial Impact on Charleston County School District

Charleston County School District Superintendent Anita Huggins said the district received $250 million of ESSER funds. However, one way to help maintain effective ESSER programs would be to adopt a weighted student-based funding model. Schools are funded based on enrollment. Using this model would allow the district to follow a new ratio. Students in poverty, special education services, and multilingual students would be weighed higher than average students.

Potential Benefits of Weighted Funding Model

This would ultimately increase the allocation of funds to their schools. Huggins said that by switching to this model, the district will sustain academic gains, increase student support, and increase school autonomy. If this were to pass, the Charleston County School District would be the only district in the state using the model.

Upcoming Budget Workshops

Charleston County School District is holding a budget workshop on Monday. The next workshop is set for April 15. That will be followed by the first and second reading of the budget on May 13 and June 10.