Beaufort County approves $395.3 million school district budget

Beaufort County Council unanimously approved the Beaufort County School District’s fiscal year 2026-27 general fund budget on June 22, 2026, authorizing a $395.3 million spending plan focused on employee compensation, student services and school safety.

District officials said the budget aligns with priorities identified through stakeholder engagement, including staff compensation, academic programs, operational services and safe learning environments.

A significant portion of new funding will go toward employee pay increases. District officials said 83% of all new funding is dedicated to salary increases intended to support recruitment and retention across the district.

Under the approved budget, the starting teacher base salary will increase by $2,500, rising from $60,087 to $62,587. With a $1,500 locality supplement, first-year teachers will receive total starting compensation of $64,087.

All district teachers will receive a $2,500 salary increase in addition to a state-mandated step increase. The teacher salary schedule also will expand to a maximum step of 31.

The budget also includes compensation increases for non-teaching staff. Classified, administrative and professional employees will receive a 3% cost-of-living increase, along with annual step increases where applicable.

Their pay schedules also will expand to a maximum step of 31.
Superintendent Frank Rodriguez said the budget is intended to strengthen support for employees and students while maintaining financial stability.

“This budget is a direct investment in the people and programs that make a difference for students every day,” Rodriguez said.

“By increasing teacher and staff compensation, expanding services for students, and maintaining safe learning environments, we are strengthening our ability to attract and retain exceptional employees while ensuring every student has the support they need to succeed,” he said.

Rodriguez also said the district was able to make the investments without increasing taxes for county residents.

“We are also proud to do so without increasing the tax burden on Beaufort County residents, demonstrating our commitment to both educational excellence and responsible fiscal stewardship,” he said.

The Board of Education approved the budget before submitting it to County Council.

In addition to compensation increases, the budget includes funding for expanded student services.

District officials said targeted investments will support special education and multilingual learners, which were identified through public feedback as high priorities.

Additional funding will go toward Montessori expansion, career and technical education, extended learning opportunities, and behavioral and mental health supports.

The budget also includes continued funding and expansion of safety measures and security personnel.

District officials said the budget is fully funded through projected revenues totaling $395.3 million and does not include a millage increase.