New School Funding Plan Targets Challenges in North Charleston

New School Funding Plan Targets Challenges in North Charleston

In a bid to tackle the educational challenges in North Charleston, a new school funding plan has been proposed by the Charleston County School District (CCSD) Board of Trustees. Scheduled for a vote on June 24, the plan has passed its first reading on May 20 with unanimous approval.

The new 2024-2025 budget anticipates an expenditure of roughly $847.5 million, marking a 20% increase from the current budget. Approximately seven out of every 10 dollars are allocated towards teacher and staff pay.

Key Highlights of the Budget

The Superintendent of the CCSD, Anita Huggins, stated in a recent meeting with the North Charleston City Council that the budget plan includes a significant pay raise of $7,500 for teachers. The decision comes in response to feedback from school principals struggling to retain classified school-based personnel. The budget also provides for the elevation of several classified employees, such as teacher’s assistants.

Emphasis on the Weighted Student Formula

The 2024-25 budget introduces the new Weighted Student Formula (WSF), a tool designed to distribute resources throughout the district based on school needs. This serves as a testament to Huggins’ desire to empower principals to efficiently serve their students, eliminating any need for micromanagement on her part. Under the WSF, principals have the autonomy to collaborate with their stakeholders, teachers, and local community, developing individually tailored plans for the most effective use of their funds.

Significant Funds for North Charleston

Around $15.2 million is set aside for North Charleston schools as part of the WSF, accounting for nearly half of the $32.5 million allotted for the entire district. This move comes after years of tense discussions between North Charleston leaders and the CCSD. The North Charleston administration has previously contemplated separating local schools from the CCSD, suggesting the formation of an independent district.

Continued Commitment to North Charleston

In a recent video message, Superintendent Huggins affirmed the district’s steadfast commitment to the North Charleston area. Evidence of the commitment can be seen in the noticeable progress of students in local schools, as well as the strategic planning underway aimed at advancing student services. She mentioned a projected increase in reading readiness of approximately 13.4% among North Charleston elementary schools, with a comparable increase in maths of around 11.8%. According to the data, North Charleston’s middle school students have also improved their standardized test scores by 12% for reading and 9% for maths since the previous year.

In addition to improving academic achievements, there are several projects in progress to upgrade current facilities. Proposed improvements include building projects, expansions, and additions to several area schools including Ladson Elementary, Stall High School, Deer Park Middle, AC Cochran, Military Magnet, North Charleston High, and Academic Magnet.

In a meeting with city council members, Huggins reiterated the district’s commitment, stating, “They share my dedication to strategically plan how we are going to serve our children, children you and I share.”