06/17/2026
DCSD BOARD APPROVES $138 MILLION BUDGET FOCUSED ON STUDENTS, EMPLOYEES, RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP
The Darlington County School District (DCSD) Board of Education unanimously approved the district’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 budget during its June 8 meeting.
The $138 million budget is built around four district priorities: student success, teacher support, workforce development and stewardship. The budget includes the highest starting teacher salary in the P*e Dee, a $1,000 increase to every step of the teacher salary schedule, an average 4.5 percent increase for classified employees, and a districtwide minimum wage of at least $15 per hour.
District leaders said these investments are designed to attract and retain high-quality employees, strengthen classroom instruction, support safe learning environments, and ensure students are prepared for success after graduation.
“Student success starts with great people,“ said Dr. Matthew Ferguson, DCSD superintendent. "This budget invests in the teachers, staff, and support systems that help our students learn, grow, and prepare for what comes next. Every investment we make ultimately comes back to one question: how does this help students succeed?"
A major highlight of the FY 2027 budget is DCSD’s continued investment in employee compensation. The budget sets the district’s starting teacher salary at $51,500, the highest starting teacher salary in the P*e Dee. It also increases every step of the certified teacher salary scale by $1,000. The budget also continues teacher attendance incentive awards, recognizing the importance of consistent instruction and the positive impact that teacher presence has on student learning.
The budget also makes a significant investment in classified employees, who serve students and schools in essential roles across the district. On average, classified employees will receive a 4.5 percent increase. The budget brings the district’s lowest hourly employee wage to at least $15 per hour.
“Our employees are the heart of this district,” Ferguson said. “Teachers, bus drivers, custodians, instructional assistants, food service staff, office staff and every person who supports our schools play a role in student success. We want our budget to reflect that value in a real and meaningful way.”
In addition to employee compensation, the budget includes investments in instructional support, special education services, attendance initiatives, and school safety. Funding has been allocated to strengthen instructional systems, support student interventions, and provide additional resources for students with specialized needs.
The FY 2026-27 budget also includes increased funding for School Resource Officers (SROs), including higher hourly rates, expanded training support, and additional resources to strengthen school safety efforts across the district. These investments help ensure every school has highly trained personnel who can build positive relationships with students, respond to emergencies, and support safe learning environments.
“This budget supports the priorities our Board believes matter most: students, employees, safety and strong financial stewardship,” said Wanda Hassler, chair of the DCSD Board of Education. “We are proud to support a budget that invests in the people who serve our children while also maintaining the responsible financial practices our community expects.”
These additions in the upcoming budget are possible due to the Board of Education’s fiscally sound management practices, evident again this year by another clean audit. This reflects the district's continued commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible financial management.
"Stewardship is not just about balancing numbers," Ferguson said. "It is about trust. Our community entrusts us with its children and its resources, and we take both responsibilities seriously. This budget invests in our people, strengthens our schools, and positions our students for success."
The new budget goes into effect July 1, 2026.
