For the first time since the 2018–19 school year, the Marlboro County School District Board of Trustees has been presented with a balanced general fund budget that does not rely on drawing down the district’s already depleted fund balance and projects an operating surplus.
Why It Matters:
Deficient budgeting practices in recent years have led to multi-year operational deficits. Additionally, a significant decline in Fee in Lieu of Taxes (FILOT) revenue is projected to decrease revenue by nearly $1.5 million over a two-year period. The proposed FY27 budget, developed through the ongoing partnership between the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) and Marlboro County School District, reflects months of careful financial analysis, operational restructuring, and long-term planning designed to stabilize the district’s finances while protecting classroom instruction and student services.
What They’re Saying:
“This budget represents important progress toward restoring long-term fiscal stability in Marlboro County. The work has not been easy and significant challenges remain, but this is a meaningful step toward rebuilding trust, strengthening operations, and ensuring the district can sustainably serve students for years to come.” - Superintendent Ellen Weaver.
Dig Deeper:
The FY27 budget proposal includes approximately $41,462,771 in projected revenue and $40,584,699 million in projected expenditures, resulting in a projected operating surplus of approximately $878,072.
The balanced budget was achieved through a series of operational and organizational changes, including:
- Right-sizing district-level staffing and administrative structures;
- Identifying efficiencies across school and district operations;
- Consolidating underutilized facilities and positions;
- Aligning staffing with declining student enrollment trends;
- Increasing budget transparency and long-term financial planning.
Final Take:
As part of the ongoing recovery effort, SCDE and district leadership will continue working to rebuild the district’s general fund balance, strengthen financial controls, improve transparency, and focus resources on student outcomes. The Marlboro County Board of Trustees received the FY27 budget presentation on first reading Tuesday evening. Additional public hearings and budget readings are scheduled in the coming weeks prior to final adoption.
