September 4, 2024
Fort Mill School Board Meeting Highlights
Special Recognitions
- Recognition of Nation Ford High School Track State Champions:
- Neale Johnson (Long Jump and 400 Hurdles)
- Xavier Dixon (200 meter)
- Mia Royall won the 800 meter and 1600 meter (she set the state record in the 1600 meter – with a 4:48.09)
- Introduction of the 2024 Fort Mill History Museum Board of Directors High School Representatives:
- Charles Duda – Fort Mill High School
- Lydia McCarter – Catawba Ridge High School
- Lilah Skovran – Nation Ford High School
District Energy Management Program
Mr. Joe Romenick along with representatives from Schneider Electric presented a project summary for the district’s long term utilities plan to generate savings for the district. The plan is designed to:
- Modernize District Infrastructure & Technology
- Maximize Operational Efficiency
- Reduce Energy/Water Costs & Consumption
- Demonstrate Wise Financial Stewardship
The plan consists of two phases:
- Phase 1
- Focus on high-impact Energy Conservation Measures
- Drive energy/operational savings and technology enhancements district-wide
- Prioritize LED sports lighting at high schools and Comporium Athletic Park
- Phase 2
- Address remaining elementary & middle school sports lighting
- Advance additional upcoming capital needs
- Evaluate other district facilities not included in Phase 1 – i.e., Administration, Transportation & Maintenance facilities
Through this program in partnership with Schneider Electric the district could save an estimated $22 million over 20 years that could be reallocated to fund other district initiatives.
State Test Scores
Dr. Mike Waiksnis presented a report on the recent release of assessment data from the State Department of education. The district continues to score higher than every other traditional
school district in South Carolina in virtually every category and grade level in both SCReady and EOC.
Monthly Financial/Impact Fee Update
Mrs. Leanne Lordo presented the monthly financial and impact fee report:
Monthly Financial Report
- July 31th – 1st month of new fiscal year.
- Total Revenue $10,624,513
Total Expenditures $6,470,572
Net Income or Increase to Fund Balance $4,153,941
- Vehicle Tax Collections $2,227,965
Impact Fees
- Total collected to date $68,508,176
- Single Family units 2,662 /Multi Family 1,679/ Total 4,341 Units
- August had 17 homes and 0 multi-family units added
- Comparable data for 12 months rolling for Single Family
- August 2023 to August 2024 $6,609,512 or 364 SF Units (14% more)
- August 2022 to August 2023 $5,792,402 or 319 Units
- Comparable data for 12 months rolling for Multi Family
- August 2023 to August 2024 $733,220 or 61 MF Units (74% less)
- August 2022 to August 2023 $2,836,720 or 236 Units
- Calendar Year 2023 Average collections $597,188.
August 2024 Actual collections $308,686.
Bond Sale in August
- On August 28th issued $15.6 million bond:
- $5.3 million for IPP and Equipment Acquisition payments
- $5 million Technology
- $3 million District Wide Paving
- $2.25 million Roof Replacements Completion
- Low bidder Wells Fargo Bank @ 3.108% interest rate
First reading of the 2025-2026 Calendar
Mr. Joe Burke presented the administration’s calendar recommendation for the 2025–2026 school year for first reading. The calendar was developed after receiving feedback throughout the year from the community, staff and information from other districts on their modified year-round models. The calendar features the following:
- Equal 90 day semesters
- Student Start Date Aug. 4
- Fall Break for students and eligible staff Oct. 6–10
- Thanksgiving Break Nov. 26–28
- Winter Break Dec. 22–Jan. 2
- Break for students and eligible staff in conjunction with Presidents’ Day Feb. 16–20
- Spring Break April 6–10
- Last Day of School May 29
The proposed calendar draft is below. Feedback can be provided to [email protected] The draft will be submitted to the board for approval at the next school board meeting.
Approval of Additional Year End Transfer
The board voted to approve the transfer which included $2.6 million for 3 transfers related to debt service, athletics fund, and contingency for opening new schools. These funds will be used for future taxpayer savings in these areas. The transfer to Debt Service is intended to provide a 2 mill reduction in millage. With this transfer, the fund balance at year end will still be maintained at 18% to 19% of the FY 24–25 operating budget.
Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Chuck Epps provided enrollment update, attendance update and an overview of upcoming events for September, 2024. At the time of the report the district had 18,438 students enrolled. For a complete listing of events please click the calendar link below.
Full Meeting Video
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5GrSlq6jhGdFvBVjjxfu6A
