Lexington 03 presents $29.8 million proposed budget; administration recommends no millage increase

At the May 14 meeting the Lexington County School District 3 administration presented a first reading of next year’s proposed operating budget and highlighted key figures and policy choices.

Ms. Bridal gave the budget overview, saying the district’s original baseline was about $28,000,000 and that the administration’s recommended revenue and expenditure plan totals $29,800,000. She said roughly 85% of the proposed expenditures are salary and fringe benefits and noted the administration is recommending a minimum 2% pay increase for employees; new teachers would be proposed to start at $47,500. The presentation also reflected pay adjustments for substitutes, paid maternity leave, added positions (including an occupational therapist and a game-day technical coordinator), and absorption of a dropout prevention coordinator previously funded by ESSER into the general fund.

On the revenue side Bridal said the district expects modest local growth and changes from state aid forecasting and referenced Act 388 as a factor in property-related aid. She said the district could raise millage by law (citing an available increase tied to CPI plus growth and potential recapture of prior meals levies), but the administration recommends no millage increase and would instead use an estimated $2.3 million of the existing fund balance if necessary.

After the presentation a board member moved to give first reading approval of the proposed budget and the motion was seconded and approved unanimously.

The first reading does not finalize the budget; the presentation outlined spending priorities and a recommended approach to funding the plan pending later board action and any public hearings required by state law.