CLOVER, S.C. – The Clover School District (CSD) Board of Trustees approved a $129.2 million operating budget for the 2024-25 school year, which includes becoming the first school district in York County to increase the teacher base salary to $50,000, during its monthly board business meeting on Monday, May 20th.
In preparation for the addition of three schools in August of 2026, the school district is looking at a phased-in approach to being prepared for the staffing needs that will come with the opening of multiple new schools and continue to manage the growth coming to the district.
Additionally, the district continues to strive to be a "Destination District" for staff. Research shows that having high-performing staff makes the most significant impact on students. The budget includes an adjustment to the teacher salary scale in line with the state of South Carolina’s desired goal to have a minimum salary of $50,000 for beginning teachers.
This year's budget reflects an $8.02M (6.6%) increase over last year's budget. The increase is representative of the increased development in the district leading to further growth, which is reflected in 21.5 new staff positions and seven new bus driver positions. Additionally, there is a cost of living increase added to the budget and a step increase for all employees which are part of the Destination District initiative.
Finally, $100,000 has been allocated to next year’s budget for new safety and security initiatives. CSD is pursuing a federal school security grant of $500,000 that requires a local match of an additional 20 percent.
As a reminder, the district’s operating budget is funded through taxes on businesses, investment properties, second homes, apartments, campers, boats, and vehicles.