During the June 3, 2025, school board meeting, the Kershaw County School District (KCSD) Board of Trustees approved its budget for the 2025-2026 school year, affirming a commitment to its dedicated employees and the vital role they play in educating the county’s children. This budget reflects a significant investment in KCSD staff, building upon a comprehensive salary study undertaken to ensure competitive and equitable compensation.
In response to the fiscal realities facing many school districts across the state, KCSD’s administration has worked diligently to propose a budget that prioritizes its people, aligning resources where they are most needed to support student success.
To support these investments in our staff and programs, the budget proposes a strategic utilization of approximately $2.9 million from the district’s general fund reserve funds. This ensures the continuity of our commitment to employee compensation and educational excellence during a period of evolving state and federal revenue projections.
“Our employees are the backbone of our school district, and their hard work and dedication directly impact the quality of education our students receive,” said Dr. Harrison Goodwin, Superintendent of KCSD. “This budget is a testament to our ongoing commitment to our teachers and staff. We are proud to present a budget that not only addresses the current economic landscape, but also significantly invests in the very people who make our district thrive.”
Key highlights of the 2025-2026 budget, demonstrating its people-focused approach, include:
- Significant Investment in Salary Increases: Following the recently completed salary study, the budget proposes a substantial investment of approximately $1.125 million for local salary schedule upgrades, ensuring more competitive and equitable pay for our employees.
- State-Mandated Salary Adjustments: The budget fully incorporates the $1,500 increase to each cell in the state minimum teacher salary schedule, which also benefits nurses, guidance counselors, media specialists, occupational and physical therapists, psychologists, and social workers.
- Bus Driver Compensation: A 2% increase to each cell of the bus driver salary schedule is included, recognizing the critical role our bus drivers play in safely transporting students.
- Cost of Living and Step Increases: All eligible employees not directly impacted by the teacher and bus driver salary schedule increase or the salary study schedule increase will receive a 2% cost of living adjustment. Additionally, eligible employees will receive a step increase, equating to an additional 1.5% to 2% raise.
- Support for Working Retirees: The budget also includes moving all eligible working retirees in all classifications a step, acknowledging their continued contributions to the district.
- Maintaining Classroom Staffing Ratios: Despite fiscal challenges, the budget maintains the full-time equivalent (FTE) positions necessary to uphold optimal classroom staffing ratios, including special education staffing, to accommodate growth and ensure equity.
KCSD Chief Financial Officer Brad Willard noted, “Our priority remains to prudently manage our finances while making strategic investments in our most valuable asset – our employees.”
“This budget directly reflects the Board’s commitment to reevaluate and improve employee compensation,” added Dr. Goodwin. “We believe that by investing in our staff, we are investing in the future success of our students and the entire Kershaw County community.”