Impact fee collections in the Fort Mill School District dropped to $145,572 in October, well below the monthly average of $848,076 the district collected during 2025, according to the monthly financial report presented to the Fort Mill School Board on Monday, Nov. 2.
The decline, about 83 percent, tracks with a near halt in new residential construction. No new single family homes were added in the district in October, the report showed, and only seven multifamily units were added.
Impact fees, charged on new homes to help pay for school construction, have been a major funding source for a district that grew rapidly over the past decade. Since the fee began, the district has collected $85,979,840, plus $7,530,252 in interest, and has submitted $93,065,385 in claims with York County. The fees have been assessed on 5,324 units, including 3,029 single family homes and 2,295 multifamily units.
Spending outpaces revenue early in fiscal year
Leanne Lordo presented the district’s financial report through Sept. 30, the third month of the fiscal year. The district reported revenue of $34,337,862 and expenditures of $69,759,981, leaving a $35.4 million gap covered by fund balance. The district typically draws on fund balance for cash flow early in the fiscal year, before property tax revenue arrives. September vehicle tax collections totaled $2,556,572.
The district’s annual audit by Greene Finney Cauley is complete, but filing is on hold until the federal Office of Management and Budget releases its final compliance supplement for federal program audits. David Phillips, a partner with the firm, is scheduled to present the audit at the January board meeting.
State tax review could reach school budgets
Board members also heard an update on the South Carolina Senate’s Common Sense Tax Reform Special Subcommittee, chaired by Sen. Sean Bennett. The Senate Finance Committee formed the group to conduct a broad review of the state’s tax structure ahead of the 2027 legislative session. It met Sept. 10 and Oct. 7.
For schools, a main goal is fixing problems created by Act 388 of 2006, which the district said produced unintended consequences for school district budgets. The sales tax and the property tax exemption for homeowners older than 65 are also on the table.
At the Oct. 7 hearing, experts generally agreed the state should broaden its tax base, eliminate exemptions and lower rates. Property taxes came up as well, along with differing views on tax fairness and who should carry the burden. No legislation has been filed, and a proposal could take several years. A public testimony session planned for early November could give school districts a chance to weigh in.
Wellness policy approved
The board approved updates to Policy ADF, the district wellness policy, as presented by Tammie Welch. The revisions bring parents, students, nutrition representatives, physical education teachers, health professionals and administrators into carrying out and evaluating the policy and communicating it to the public. The policy calls for wellness efforts across all school settings, health content coordinated within the curriculum, regular assessments and an annual public notice.
Gold Hill Elementary in the spotlight
Principal Josh Burris and Gold Hill Elementary School staff and students presented the school’s House System, which is built into daily routines and schoolwide events and is meant to give every student and staff member a place to belong. Four current and former house leaders, both students and staff, spoke about how the system has helped them build leadership and confidence and created a family atmosphere at the school.
Students and staff recognized
The meeting opened with recognitions. The Foundation for Fort Mill Schools presented a check to the district, and Fort Mill High School’s JROTC program was recognized as a Marine Corps JROTC Honor School.
The Fort Mill High girls swim team was honored as the 5A state champion, and swimmer Emma Michael was recognized as a state champion in multiple events. Nation Ford High School’s individual and relay state swim champions were also honored.
Superintendent Grey Young presented his November Red Nose Awards to Jessica Catledge of Tega Cay Elementary School, Cindy Ormseth of the district office, Bonny Sandy of Student Nutrition and Annamarie Tucker of Banks Trail Middle School.
Young also updated the board on enrollment, attendance and upcoming calendar events, and noted that the district filed its motions to intervene in the Silfab Solar and York County court cases on Oct. 31.
Fort Mill School Board meetings can be watched live or on demand on the district’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/@FortMillSchoolDistrict. The audit presentation is set for the board’s January meeting.
Source: Fort Mill School District board meeting highlights, Nov. 2, 2026.
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Thomas Hyslip lives in Tega Cay with his wife and daughter. After 27 years in the U.S. Army and Federal Law Enforcement, he retired to pursue his passion for teaching. Tom is now an Associate Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida. In 2 short years he has won 10 awards from the South Carolina Press Association, including first place in column writing, education beat reporting and best podcast.
