Development News for Easley, South Carolina
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SDPC Board of Trustees - Regular Board Meeting - 5/26/26
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Pickens County School District Updates Non-Resident Student Admission Policy
The board discussed and approved revisions to policy JFAB, concerning the admission of non-resident students and inter-district transfers. These revisions are mandated by state legislation (SC Code 59-8-165) and align with state model guidelines. Key changes include defining terms like 'inter-district transfer' and 'resident student,' establishing capacity standards (schools at or above 90% capacity may deny requests, capacity to be posted annually), outlining eligibility and enrollment criteria (attendance, discipline, program eligibility as denial reasons), and standardizing application timelines (applications by February 1st, open for 90 days, notification within 30 days). The policy also clarifies that siblings receive priority, establishes an appeal process for denials directly to the board, and requires data reporting to the South Carolina Department of Education. Tuition fees for out-of-county students are based on local funding contributions.
Pickens County School District Approves $2 Million Purchase for 39 Acres of Land
The board approved the purchase of approximately 39 acres of property located on Old Bethlehem Ridge Road for a total purchase price of $2 million. The property is identified by Tax Map Sections (TMS) 4180-12-85-7073 and a portion of TMS 4180-125-5153, based on a preliminary survey dated February 27, 2026.
Pickens County School District Approves FY 2026-2027 Budget with Increased Teacher Salaries and New Facility Funding
The board reviewed and approved the third reading of the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 general fund budget, totaling $195,283,145. This budget represents a 3.94% increase over the amended FY 2026 budget and a 4.3% increase over the original FY 2026 budget. Revenue projections include $127.7 million (65.4%) from the state and $66.6 million (34.1%) from local sources, primarily property taxes. Expenditures are largely allocated to salaries (59.6%) and employer-paid benefits (29.5%). The budget includes a $2,500 increase to each step of the state-certified salary schedule for teachers, a 4% increase for bus drivers and classified staff, and provisions for a year of experience increase for eligible employees. Additionally, funding was included for nursing salary scales, a 4% COLA for principals and district leadership, and to staff the new Gateway to Innovation facility. The budget does not include a tax increase.
Pickens County Schools Add Speech, Creative Writing II, and Premier Strength Training to Course Offerings
The board approved the local board-approved courses, including Speech (0.5 credit), Creative Writing II (0.5 credit), and Premier Strength and Weight Training (0.5 credit). These courses are being offered locally due to changes in state course offerings and to provide students with more elective options. Speech and Creative Writing II are taught by ELA teachers and align with English Language Arts standards. Premier Strength and Weight Training addresses changes in Physical Education credit requirements, allowing students to continue weight training and related activities beyond their initial PE requirements. The board also discussed the potential for future courses focused on career-based math, skilled PE classes like tennis, and enhancing personal finance education with topics like time value of money. AccuPlacer and ACT/SAT prep classes are already available as elective credits.
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