April 8, 2024
Fort Mill School Board Meeting Highlights
Special Recognitions
• Fort Mill School District had 32 students earn placement in the South Carolina Allstate Bands: Aaron Welch, Contra Clarinet GHMS; Agnes Zilinskaite, Oboe GHMS; Carena Tollefson, Horn NFHS; Casey Stauffer, Trombone FMHS; Gayden Munoz, Trombone FMHS; Chase Turner, Trombone NFHS; Chelsea Minnihan, Flute NFHS; Connor Anderson, Percussion GHMS;Connor Hennessey, Trumpet GHMS; Ella Culver, Trombone FMHS; Emily Li, Euphonium FMMS; Harrison Turner, Euphonium CRHS; Henry Lee, Tuba CRHS; Jack Sullivan, Trombone FMHS; Jasmine Gourdin, Clarinet NFHS; Josh Pritchard, Tuba CRHS; Joshua Homan, Clarinet NFHS; Joshua Sanford, Tuba CRHS; Kathryn Ranft, Clarinet FMHS; Katie Hanson, Clarinet NFHS; Lana Lee, Clarinet CRHS; Lilah Haen, Bassoon FMHS; Luke Rapa, Oboe FMHS; Molly Lessard, Clarinet NFHS; Nathan Hurley, Trumpet CRHS; Olivia Morton, Horn FMHS; PriyanshiBiswas, Clarinet GHMS; Rylee Gouker, Oboe FCMS; Samuel Moore, Trombone PKMS; Willa Clark, Tuba FMHS; Zane Snipes, Bass Clarinet CRHS; Zoe Noznesky, Flute FMHS
School Spotlight – Tega Cay Elementary School
Tega Cay Elementary School (TCES) Principal Brigitte Wagner and her staff shared information about their Collective Leadership process. Schools selected to participate identify members to serve on their school’s Collective Leadership Team. The Office of Educator Effectiveness and Leadership Development works with administrators and teacher leaders to implement a cohesive vision for teacher leadership roles.
This work supports the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by helping schools develop the collaborative culture and high-quality professional learning that promote student attainment of world-class knowledge, skills, and life characteristics. Collective Leadership also supports teacher retention by creating meaningful opportunities for teachers to lead without leaving the classroom.
First Reading of the Strategic Plan
Dr. Mike Waiksnis presented the updated Fort Mill Schools Strategic Plan for 2022–2027 for First Reading. This is the annual review of the Strategic Plan and includes minor updates to performance goals and action steps. The board will consider the plan for approval at the next board meeting.
Monthly Financial/Impact Fee Update
Mrs. Leanne Lordo presented the monthly financial and impact fee report:
Monthly Financial Report
• February 29 – Eighth Month in Fiscal Year
• Total Revenue $169,107,458
Total Expenditures $132,859,982
Increase $36,247,476 – Positive Cash flow
• Real Estate Taxes…$565,301 (now in delinquent tax collections)
• Vehicle tax collections $1,370,863
• Fee-in-lieu taxes $385,269
• State Manufacturing Property Valuation Reimbursement $1,100,707
• Projected Tax Revenue Year End – est. $1.6 million over budget (1.7%)
Impact Fees
• Total collected to date $65,439,474
• Single Family units 2,493/Multi Family 1,679/ Total 4,172 Units
• March had 29 homes and 0 multi-family units added
• Comparable data for 12 months rolling for Single Family
o Mar 2023 to Mar 2024 $6,900,040 or 380 SF Units (94% more)
o Mar 2022 to Mar 2023 $3,558,968 or 196 Units
• Comparable data for 12 months rolling for Multi Family
o Mar 2023 to Mar 2024 $1,382,300 or 115 MF Units (54% less)
o Mar 2022 to Mar 2023 $3,005,000 or 250 Units
• Calendar Year 2023 Average collections $597,188.
March 2024 Actual collections $526,582.
State Budget
• This week, April 9 – 11, Senate Finance Budget Discussions
• April 23 – 25 Full Senate Budget
Local Budget
• In regards to the Act 388 millage limitation formula, we received the updated letter from SC Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office. The school district population increases are based upon County population estimates by the US Census Bureau. Our growth % is 4.13%. Added to the 4.12% CPI, total FY 2024-25 Millage Rate Increase limitation is 8.25% or 21.9 mills.
• The Administration plans to present the local budget recommendation at the next meeting on April 23.
Approval of Resolution for 8% Annual Capital Issue
The board is authorized to approve and issue bonds for up to a total of 8% of the assessed tax value without referendum. The district typically issues these types of bonds annually to cover special projects that go beyond the scope of the school budget. Payback for these bonds typically occurs within 3-5 years. Mrs. Lordo requested the approval of the issuance and sale of not exceeding $4.25 million in general obligations bonds for the Fort Mill School District.
Approval of Resolution for IPRB/AQ Payments
The board approved the issuance and sale of not exceeding $6 million in general obligations bonds for the Fort Mill School District, which are used to pay the annual Installment Purchase Repayment Bonds (IPRB).
Approval of Resolution for Declaration of Results of Referendum
The board approved the resolution for declaration of results of referendum held March 19, 2024. This resolution officially recognizes that the bond referendum was passed by voters.
Approval of Resolution Related to 2024 Bond Referendum
Following the results of the vote on the referendum, the board approved the resolution for the issuance and sale of not exceeding $204 million in general obligation bonds. The funds will be used for the projects outlined in the referendum. The bonds will be issued overtime as funds are needed to complete these projects.
Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Chuck Epps provided an overview of upcoming events for April and May, 2024. There is a Two-Hour Early Release Day scheduled for April 26, the Strawberry Sprint and Stroll is on April 27 and the last day of school is scheduled for May 31. For a complete listing of events please click the calendar link below.
Dr. Epps announced the March teacher attendance winners with Fort Mill High, Forest Creek Middle and Springfield Elementary winning for their respective grade levels.
Fort Mill School Board meetings can be viewed live or on demand on the district’s YouTube channel or with the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5GrSlq6jhGdFvBVjjxfu6A
