Some teachers in Horry County schools could receive a 4 percent salary increase next year if certain provisions hold under the current versions of the House and Senate budgets, according to school district financial officials.

John Gardner, HCS executive director for accounting services, told the Horry County school board Monday night that the House budget features a 2 percent salary increase for teachers, as well as others who are paid on the teacher salary schedule. He said the raise has been “locked” and is unlikely to change.

In addition, he said the Senate version of the budget requires a STEP increase for all eligible teachers. A STEP increase is a state-set periodic pay increase for district teaching employees based on years/level of experience.

With that information, the board voted 9 to 1 to approve the revised version of the superintendent’s 2012-13 budget.

That version reflects changes made at the May 29 meeting when the board removed funding for all employee raises, which totaled $4.7 million. The board also saved $1.6 million by cutting two professional learning days for which teachers traditionally have been paid.

Board Chairman Will Garland said despite the budget’s approval, it will be coming back before the board.

The district and the board must sort out how much money must go back into the budget to cover the mandated raises.

Other cuts also are going to be considered to minimize any shortfall, which was at $7.4 million in the original budget version. Some board members are reluctant to use much, if any, of the district’s undesignated fund balance of almost $18 million to fill the void.

Legislators are expected back in session June 19 to finish work on the state budget.

The school board must finalize its budget by the end of this month.

Contact VICKI GROOMS at 443-2401 or follow her at Twitter.com/TSN_VickiGrooms.