Teacher raises are on the table at SC statehouse. Horry Schools’ budget could take a hit
A part of the proposed South Carolina state budget has Horry County school board members and district leaders concerned about a possible shortfall in the district’s budget.
The $14-billion House budget includes a $4,000 minimum salary increase for teachers, raising minimum pay from $36,000 to $40,000.
That increase and subsequent costs could lead to a $6-million shortfall in the district’s general fund, HCS chief financial officer John Gardner said while addressing board members Monday.
HCS already pays its teachers $39,700 to start, but an amendment to the increase passed by the House Ways and Means Committee says districts must maintain their “local supplement” in addition to the increase to the minimum.
That means districts currently paying more than the state minimum would have to maintain the difference between the two at all pay grades, which differ based on years of experience and education level.
For example, a teacher holding a bachelor’s degree who is in his or her first year currently makes a minimum of $36,000 a year at the state level. But HCS pays around $39,700.
Under the proposed budget, the state minimum for the same education level and years of experience would be $40,000, meaning HCS would pay around $43,700, according to district figures.
Gardner outlined some of the district’s worries while addressing the board.
“We do have some concerns that a teacher salary increase could cause inequity in our current system for other positions,” he said.
The proposed state budget also includes an increase to bus driver pay and in employer group health insurance.
Those additions, among others, result in the district’s proposed general fund potentially falling short by about $6 million, Gardner said.
School board members raised concerns about shouldering the extra cost of the shifting budget.
Helen Smith, who represents District 6 and is running for school board chairman this year, said during a finance committee meeting that while she supports paying teachers more, it could put the district in a financial bind.
The proposed state budget covers fiscal year 2023, which begins July 1.
The state House is discussing the spending plan and proposing amendments before potentially sending it to the Senate for consideration this week.
