Charleston County Schools Propose New Funding System for 2026-2027

News Summary

The Charleston County School District is set to implement a new weighted student funding model aimed at better supporting students from under-resourced backgrounds starting in the 2026-2027 school year. This shift will change how funds are allocated based on individual student needs, particularly for those with disabilities, living in poverty, and multilingual learners. With an upcoming budget meeting planned, the district hopes to close achievement gaps and enhance educational equity through strategic resource allocation.

Charleston County Schools to Shake Up Funding System for 2026-2027

Charleston, South Carolina – The Charleston County School District (CCSD) is gearing up for some exciting changes as it proposes a new weighted student funding system ahead of budget discussions for the 2026-2027 school year. This shift from an allocation-based system to a per-pupil funding model aims to give all students, particularly those from historically under-resourced backgrounds, the support they need to excel.

A New Take on School Funding

In the current landscape, funding is assigned based on a “ratio” system that links the financial resources each student receives to their respective weighted student funding categories. Under the old model, districts calculated funding using average teacher salaries, which made the whole process a bit complex. This funding scheme required a total investment of $32.8 million, which was then divided among students based on categories like poverty, disabilities, and multilingual needs.

The proposed adjustments change this narrative significantly. For instance, students with disabilities will receive $1,150, pupils living in poverty will get $947, and multilingual learners will be allocated $1,353. Schools will be able to access funding for students who fall into more than one category. This strategy aims not just to distribute money, but to effectively address the unique challenges faced by various student populations.

Diving Into the Details

At the heart of this new proposal is a model that categorizes students into three main areas: Pupils in Poverty, Multilingual Learners, and Students with Disabilities. The district plans to evaluate the success of this new system based on several key factors, including rigorous grade-level instruction, high-quality teaching, and comprehensive wrap-around services.

This flexibility is vital. Schools can tap into extra resources for teacher support and innovative teaching methods, allowing them to serve affected student groups more effectively. For instance, at R.B. Stall High School, WSF funds contributed to bringing in added teacher support for over 2,000 students, underscoring the urgent need to lift end-of-course assessment scores.

Looking Ahead to 2024-2025

The upcoming CCSD Board of Trustees’ meeting is set for June 24, where they will vote on the proposed budget for 2024-2025, which has already made it through the first reading. This budget totals a hefty $847.5 million, indicating a 20% increase from the current year, with a big chunk earmarked for teachers’ pay raises. A $7,500 raise for teachers is part of the overall strategy to retain essential staff.

This budget also outlines the new Weighted Student Formula (WSF), which will allow resources to be distributed based on individual school needs. Principals will have the freedom to determine how best to use these allocated funds to meet the needs of their communities. Half of the overall district funds, $15.2 million, has been specifically designated for North Charleston schools, reflecting the district’s commitment to bolstering resources where they are needed most.

Tackling Achievement Gaps

Superintendent projections paint a hopeful picture with expectations of enhanced academic performance in North Charleston schools. The district is also busy with multiple projects focused on facility improvements and expansions to serve its growing community. The goals of the WSF model include closing achievement gaps and providing targeted support for underserved populations — a mission that underscores the district’s commitment to educational equity.

Each principal’s plan for using the funds must align closely with the focus on supporting students in poverty, those with disabilities, and multilingual needs. While there’s anticipation surrounding these changes, it is acknowledged that measuring the effectiveness of the new funding model may take about 3 to 5 years. Early implementation at R.B. Stall High School has generated a staggering $1.8 million in weighted funding, specifically targeting the needs of their students. Additionally, Pinehurst Elementary is set to benefit from $1.2 million to support its large multilingual student body.

As the Charleston County School District prepares for these changes, one thing is clear: the new funding model encourages creative solutions tailored to each school’s unique needs. By paving the way for better resource distribution, the district is on a path to better meet the needs of every student it serves.

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Additional Resources

• Live 5 News: District Considers Weighted Student Funding Changes Ahead of Budget Discussion
• Wikipedia: School Funding
• Fox 5 Vegas: CCSD Trustees Approve Lundy Elementary $7.8 Million Repairs
• Google Search: Charleston County Schools Funding News
• Charleston City Paper: New School Funding Plan Focuses on North Charleston’s Challenges
• Google Scholar: Charleston School Funding
• Post and Courier: Charleston County School District Weighted Student Funding
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
• Count on 2: Charleston County School District Passes FY 25 Budget That Includes Teacher Pay Raises
• Google News: Weighted Student Funding