“Reduced state support for us” – says Schlicking

Oconee school administration expresses satisfaction and appreciation for what’s designated to be county support for local school spending in the next year.  The growth of county millage is being credited. From all sources, Oconee School District expects next year spending at $132.9 million. State aid, however, appears to be another matter.  According to the district finance director’s report to the county trustees, state aid is proving unstable.  In a state of flux, as Jay Schickling put it.  In question are state aid projections for 2024-25, as well as state aid for winding down the current year.  Schlicking told the trustees it means “reduced state aid for us.”  He suggested a draw from the district’s reserve account – or fund balance – as one way to make up differences.  Aside from the state aid concerns raised last night, South Carolina school teachers can count on higher pay.  According to the Associated Press, Governor McMaster is pleased that the state is allotting enough monies for yearly teacher raises and to increase minimum starting pay to $47 thousand a year.