For Immediate Release
July 18, 2025
From the Office of Communications
Phone: 803.435.4435
Clarendon County School District Budget Approved for 2025–2026
Zero Millage Increase Affects Staffing, Operations, and Improvements
MANNING, SC – The Clarendon County School District announces the approval of the 2025–2026 budget by the Clarendon County Council, maintaining a zero millage increase. While this enables the district to finalize plans for the upcoming academic year, it requires significant adjustments due to the unchanged local funding, impacting operations, staffing, and capital projects.
To meet the approved budget requirements, the district will implement necessary cost-saving measures. This includes eliminating certain district office and school-level positions, many already vacant. The duties of the Special Projects and School Safety position will now be managed by the Office of Facilities and Operations. These changes will lead to a redistribution of responsibilities, increasing workloads for current staff. School-level staffing cuts may result in larger class sizes and higher student-to-teacher ratios. Despite efforts to lessen the impact, these funding constraints present unavoidable challenges.
Additionally, to balance the budget, certain capital improvements may be put on hold. Without the renewal of the 1% sales tax, the burden of maintaining district buildings and funding capital improvement projects will be a constant strain on the district's budget.
“This has been a long and challenging process, but we’re relieved to have an approved budget and can begin preparations for the 2025–2026 school year,” stated Dr. Shawn Johnson, Superintendent of Clarendon County School District. “Although we are happy to fund the mandated teacher increase, we regret having to decrease other staff raises; however, we will not allow this to diminish our efforts and work as a district. Despite the strain of reallocating duties, increasing workloads, and monitoring capital improvements, our primary focus remains on educating the students of Clarendon County.”
The district leadership remains committed to preserving the quality of academic programs while operating within the budget’s constraints. These tough decisions were necessary to avoid additional tax burdens on Clarendon County citizens.
Chairman Bonaparte expressed, “We only asked for the minimal funding needed to offer an educational program worthy of our community. Our primary goal is to provide quality education to ensure a successful community. We urge the community to support our efforts in educating every student in Clarendon County.” He emphasized this as a starting point for uniting the county for the community’s betterment.
The Clarendon County School District will continue advocating for sustainable funding to support student success while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
The printable version can be found HERE.
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