CCSD Budgets Increase on Homeowners to Service Debt

Remember the new gazillion-dollar North Charleston sports stadium?

Yes, you homeowners will help pay for it,  just not as part of the Charleston County School District's operating budget.

"But a separate tax increase to help service the district's debt, also approved as part of the budget process Monday, will affect all types of property. Chief Financial and Administrative Officer Donald Kennedy said the increase will help pay for some recent capital projects including the $11.5 million land purchase for a North Charleston regional sports stadium, a $5 million land purchase in Awendaw for a future school, and a $1 million renovation and expansion of Deer Park Middle."

"This second tax increase will add $1.80 onto the tax bill for a $15,000 vehicle; $12 onto the bill for a $100,000 commercial property; and $24 onto the bill for a $300,000 homeowner-occupied residential property."

Need proof that Charleston County no longer welcomes families? Why is the enrollment in the county's schools remaining flat while its population booms?

"The budget assumes a total enrollment of 50,183 students across the district, which it describes as 'relatively constant.' Despite an influx of new residents in the tri-county area — 38 new residents per day, according to the Charleston Area Regional Development Alliance — enrollment in Charleston County public schools has flat-lined in recent years, according to the 135-day student headcounts that are used in many budget calculations."

"The district counted 50,203 students in the 2016-17 school year, 50,028 in 2017-18, and 50,183 in 2018-19. The current year's operating budget was written assuming enrollment would grow by 600 students."

"The $507.7 million general operating budget is the largest single part of the school district's overall budget. The total spending planned for next fiscal year, including general operating, special revenue, state Education Improvement Act funding, food services, debt service and capital projects, equals $976.6 million."

CCSD rivals Boeing and MUSC in its budget, but surely the latter two have more knowledgeable oversight by their boards!