Clarendon County Council tabled the final vote on the Clarendon County School District’s 2025–2026 budget during a special called meeting June 26, halting momentum on a proposed 5.19 millage increase and prompting the cancellation of a follow-up meeting originally scheduled for June 30. As of press time, no new school budget has been approved, leaving teacher raises and operational funding unresolved at the start of the fiscal year.
The ordinance, which previously passed first and second readings, was expected to receive its third and final reading during the June 26 meeting. But following a 90-minute executive session, Councilman Kurtis Rodine moved to table the vote and request that the school district submit a revised budget reflecting a zero millage increase. Councilman John Coker seconded the motion. Councilmen Billy Richardson and William Frierson voted against the motion, forcing Council Chairman Jay Johnson to break the tie and vote in favor of tabling.
“You’ve got to have good coaches, and they don’t come cheap,” Richardson said during discussion. “I was hoping we’d reconsider and pass the third reading for the children of this county.”
Rodine and Coker defended the motion, citing projected property value increases they believe will offset the district’s revenue needs without raising taxes.
“I assure you, I talk to almost every mother and father … it’s not about the money,” Rodine said. “My biggest complaint has been discipline issues … issues far more important than this millage rate.”
Chairman Johnson emphasized that the millage request was not negotiated by council but by the district’s leadership. He also pushed back on arguments that more funding automatically results in better outcomes.
“If y’all would get off social media and talk to teachers, you’d see money isn’t the issue,” Johnson said. “Clarendon County doesn’t have enough money for them to work under that administration. Money doesn’t fix everything.”
In a written statement, Superintendent Dr. Shawn Johnson disputed that claim, stating, “We are competitive with salaries, which is a testament to the work of our board because we are able to retain great employees. Our turnover rates are down and our retention rates are up. In addition, our schools are showing steady growth. I will not stand by [idly] and witness the district being misrepresented by political talking points and negating our efforts.”
Council voted to postpone the third reading until Monday, June 30, contingent on receiving a revised budget proposal from the district. But at 1:15 p.m. that afternoon, the meeting was officially canceled.
Chairman Johnson told The Manning Times the decision was made after receiving an email from CCSD Board Chairman John Bonaparte stating that district officials had been unable to meet to revise the budget due to the district offices being closed. Johnson called the meeting “a waste of everyone’s time” if no progress had been made.
“There are no winners in this situation,” Johnson said. “Council has asked direct questions and we can’t get straight answers. We’re tired of placeholders. We want a detailed budget.”
He cited inflated line items for athletic coaching supplements that were later explained as placeholders, and expressed disappointment that Superintendent Shawn Johnson was absent from the second and third readings, despite council requesting his presence.
“I’ve never missed a meeting,” Johnson said. “I return calls. Why isn’t he?”
Bonaparte, when reached by The Manning Times, confirmed that no revised budget had been submitted and acknowledged the district had not met the zero-millage request. He said he wasn’t sure why the meeting was canceled and referred to state statute requirements for millage implementation.
When pressed on the superintendent’s absence from the budget meetings, Bonaparte hesitated before stating, “I can’t defend why he wasn’t there.”
Superintendent Johnson continued in his statement, “I want to be clear: I have not received any invitations to attend any meetings that happened in addition to special called county council meetings. I was never informed of the cancellation of the June 30th meeting, although I made plans to attend. Council members attend their meetings, as I prioritize and attend school board meetings.”
Bonaparte stated the school board will address the budget at its next meeting on July 7, and warned of consequences from the delay.
“Until the budget is finalized, any promises made, especially regarding salaries, cannot be fulfilled,” Bonaparte said, including the $1,500 teacher pay raises tied to state mandates. He added that required audits under the state’s Fiscal Caution program remain on track and should not be affected by the delay.
The stalled budget has drawn growing concern from educators and residents alike. With the new fiscal year underway and no approved budget in place, many fear that ongoing disputes between council and district leadership could jeopardize teacher retention and public trust.
As of press time, no new meeting date has been set. In the interest of transparency, The Manning Times is publishing Dr. Shawn Johnson’s full written statement below.
Full statement from Superintendent Dr. Shawn Johnson:
“The County Council’s decision to table the final vote on our 2025-2026 budget is not just concerning, it’s an irresponsible act that directly threatens our students and teachers. I, Superintendent Shawn Johnson, was present at the first reading of the budget, as have all prior superintendents, along with the Office of Finance. Our finance team has been present at all sessions where they were able to speak and clear up any misconceptions except at the third reading. I want to be clear: I have not received any invitations to attend any meetings that happened in addition to special called county council meetings. I was never informed of the cancellation of the June 30th meeting, although I made plans to attend. Council members attend their meetings, as I prioritize and attend school board meetings. The County Council has stated on record they simply don't want anything to do with the school budget, don't understand the process, but have chosen not to address the budget needed to educate our students. For example, to date, the county council chairman has not attended a district budget session and/or meeting to gain clarity of school district operations. This is deeply troubling. To claim that we haven't been transparent is a blatant falsehood; we have provided all necessary information. Any suggestion that this district isn't committed to fiscal responsibility is equally baseless; we are fully committed to working through and adhering to all regulations. Throughout my time in the district, I have consistently sought opportunities to provide raises to ALL staff, from bus drivers and custodians to our teachers, and this year is no different, though the County Council's decision now dictates whether these raises will be possible. We are competitive with salaries, which is a testament to the work of our board because we are able to retain great employees. Our turnover rates are down and our retention rates are up. In addition, our schools are showing steady growth. I will not stand by [idly] and witness the district being misrepresented by political talking points and negating our efforts. Despite the council's assurance to have spoken to every mother and father in the district, I am hearing from an overwhelming majority of parents and community members who have expressed disdain at children being labeled “bad” or “good” just by looking at them. Our educators and parents must remain involved and vocal about the resources our students need. This Council must reconsider its decision and prioritize the future of Clarendon County's children.”
