On Tuesday night Aiken County Public School District board members had their first open discussion around the budget for the 2024-25 school year.
Board Chairman Cam Nuessle said that this initial conversation was a chance “to see what input the board has on next year’s budget.” No votes were made and there was not an official budget to approve.
“This is a time of year when departments and schools have already made budget requests for the next year’s budget, as an input to the budget process that will carry out through the next, really, three months,” said Nuessle.
In this informal discussion, board members spoke up about areas they felt needed special attention for budget consideration.
The top five priorities for the board members were identified as:
• a focus on improving early childhood education;
• improving alternative programs and expanding virtual education, especially for students recommended for expulsion;
• additional mental health resources on campuses;
• cost of living adjustment for all employees;
• and the addition of athletic trainers.
Nuessle emphasized that Tuesday night’s discussion was not an official statement of how funds will be allocated.
“This is just some of our first thoughts ... that might shape our future budget discussions,” he said.
“I think it’s important for the administration to hear what’s on your minds, and what’s important to you going into this budget planning season,” added Nuessle.
