Clarendon County School District employees will continue to be paid under the district’s 2025-26 salary schedules until South Carolina lawmakers approve a state budget, district officials said Aug. 3.
Once the budget is approved, employees will receive the difference owed to them for their pay increases in a separate lump-sum payment, according to information presented during the CCSD Board of Trustees meeting.
District finance officials said the decision was made after consulting the district’s attorneys. Although some school districts have begun paying employees using proposed 2026-27 salary schedules, CCSD officials said they believe the district must continue using the previous year’s schedules while the state operates under a continuing resolution.
The district has already used the 2025-26 schedules to pay its 12-month employees. Other employees will begin receiving pay Aug. 15.
If a new state budget is in place by the end of August, 12-month employees would receive the differences owed from their July 15, July 30 and Aug. 15 paychecks. Other employees would receive the difference from their Aug. 15 paychecks.
The retroactive payment will be issued at one time rather than spread across future paychecks.
The update came as the board reviewed the district’s preliminary June financial report. The district reported approximately $3.05 million in revenue for June and $49.77 million for the fiscal year to date.
June expenditures totaled approximately $6.28 million, bringing year-to-date expenditures to about $47.64 million. Officials cautioned that the figures do not include all year-end accruals and will change as the fiscal year is finalized.
The district’s audit for the 2025-26 fiscal year began in late July. Auditors are expected to return in September or October to complete the process.
The board also received an update on facilities projects, including damage to the Manning High School tennis courts.
District officials said the courts have deep cracks believed to be connected to unsuitable soil beneath the surface. An independent contractor will conduct soil testing to help determine the cause and the repairs needed.
The courts are not considered safe for play, and the district has secured another location for Manning High’s tennis teams to practice and compete until repairs are completed.
The tennis courts at East Clarendon Middle High School also have cracks, but district officials described those as normal wear and tear. The courts remain safe for play and are expected to be cleaned, repaired and repainted.
Other work includes replacement of flooring in the Scott’s Branch Middle/High School guidance office and the Manning Elementary School front office and sensory room. The district is moving toward standardized luxury vinyl tile in areas where carpet is being replaced.
Six locker room areas at East Clarendon are being painted, and the district is seeking prices for replacement lockers. At Scott’s Branch, the gym floor is being sanded, repainted and redesigned with school colors and updated branding. New blue bleachers with gold lettering and gray shadowing also have been ordered.
The district is preparing to seek bids for a window project at Manning High and quotes for replacement of the marquee at Rose Wilder Elementary School.
At the district office, a professional company cleaned an office after humidity caused environmental growth. A third party tested the air quality after the work was completed, and the office was cleared for use.
Officials also reported that HVAC problems at the new Walker-Gamble Elementary School were addressed under warranty after another company was brought in.
In other business, the board gave first-reading approval to revised policies governing the admission of students who live outside the district.
The proposed policy establishes an annual application window of at least 90 days beginning no later than Feb. 1. Acceptance would depend on available space, staffing, facility limits and the district’s ability to provide required services.
The district would charge an annual transfer fee of $1,000 for the first nonresident student in a family and $500 for each additional student. Certain students would qualify for exemptions, and the district could waive all or part of the fee.
Families would be responsible for transportation. Applicants who are denied admission could appeal to the board.
The board also gave first-reading approval to its districtwide Title I Parent and Family Engagement Policy. The policy outlines how families will be included in planning and evaluating Title I programs and calls for parent meetings, surveys, workshops and other opportunities for participation.
Following an executive session, the board approved the superintendent’s personnel recommendations and terms for leasing a portion of district property. The property and lessee were not identified during the public portion of the meeting, and the lease exhibit was not included in the board packet.
