FORT MILL — The Fort Mill School Board convened on May 6, 2025, for its regular monthly meeting, recognizing student achievements and reviewing important updates on district finances, nutrition services, and the ongoing superintendent search.
Student Recognition and School Spotlight
The meeting opened with a special recognition of middle and high school students who earned All-State Band honors, highlighting the district’s continued emphasis on arts education.
Nation Ford High School was featured during the “School Spotlight” segment. Principal Chris Chandler and his staff shared highlights of the school’s academic and cultural initiatives, including their effective use of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). The school’s AP Human Geography team was recently named High School Collaborative Team of the Year. Nation Ford also celebrated being named a National Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School, a designation reflecting its dedication to student success and faculty collaboration under the motto “Together We Soar.”
Superintendent Search Update
Board member Lipi Pratt provided an update on the superintendent search process. With the application period closed, the board will conduct interviews, select finalists, and present the new superintendent to the community by the end of May. The new superintendent is scheduled to begin duties in July. Additional details are available on the district website.
Financial and Impact Fee Report
Chief Finance Officer Leanne Lordo presented the financial report through March 31. The district reported $197.1 million in revenue and $165.6 million in expenditures, yielding a positive cash flow of $31.6 million. Tax revenue projections for the fiscal year suggest the district may collect $2.5 million above budgeted expectations.
Impact fee collections reached nearly $75 million to date, with 4,738 new housing units contributing to the total. Single-family and multi-family developments both showed year-over-year increases in collections, including a 44.3% rise in revenue from multi-family units.
Budget and Legislative Updates
Mrs. Lordo also discussed the 2025–2026 budget, emphasizing concerns about the state funding formula. During a recent Olde English Consortium meeting, district officials addressed how current policies shift more financial responsibility to local taxpayers. While the budget proposal remains unchanged, advocacy for state-level reforms continues.
As the state legislative session nears its May 8 conclusion, lawmakers are finalizing the state budget, with a conference committee expected to reconcile House and Senate versions.
Student Nutrition Program and Meal Price Proposal
Nutrition Services Director Tammie Welch reported that the district will serve approximately 2.1 million meals this school year. About 21% of students eat school breakfast and half participate in school lunch programs. Rising food and labor costs have led to a proposed increase in meal prices for the 2025–2026 school year:
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Breakfast: $1.85 (up from $1.35)
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Elementary lunch: $3.00 (up from $2.25)
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Middle/High lunch: $3.75 (up from $3.00)
The board is expected to vote on the proposed price increases at a future meeting.
Superintendent’s Report and District Updates
Superintendent Dr. Chuck Epps reported that district enrollment has reached 18,446 students. Teacher attendance was highest in April at Nation Ford High, Forest Creek Middle, and Kings Town Elementary. He also highlighted upcoming end-of-year events, including graduations scheduled for May 23 at Winthrop Coliseum.
Fort Mill School Board meetings are available for viewing on demand on the district’s YouTube channel.
