Except as provided in this section, school district boards of trustees or any other appropriate governing body of a school district shall maintain at least the level of per pupil financial effort established as provided in fiscal year 1983-84. Beginning in 1985-86, local financial effort for noncapital programs must be adjusted for an inflation factor estimated by the Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office.
Thereafter, school district boards of trustees or other governing bodies of school districts shall maintain at least the level of financial effort per pupil for noncapital programs as in the prior year adjusted for an inflation factor estimated by the Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office. The county auditor shall establish a millage rate so that the level of financial effort per pupil for noncapital programs adjusted for an inflation factor estimated by the Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office is maintained as a minimum effort. No school district which has not complied with this section may receive funds from the South Carolina Education Improvement Act of 1984 Fund. School district boards of trustees may apply for a waiver to the State Board of Education from the requirements of this section if:
(1) the district has experienced a loss in revenue because of reduction in assessed valuation of property or has had a significant increase in one hundred thirty-five average daily membership;
(2) the district has experienced insignificant growth in revenue collections from the previous year;
(3) the district has demonstrated for one year that it has achieved operating efficiencies and all education requirements are being met;
(4) a midyear revenue shortfall results in a reduction of funds appropriated in accordance with Chapter 20 of Title 59 (The Education Finance Act). A decline in the measured academic achievement of the students must immediately cause the State Board of Education to void all waivers provided under this section and make the district ineligible to apply for any waivers under this section for two consecutive years. If the decline in student achievement occurs, the district shall revert to the minimum effort requirement, adjusted for the prior years inflation factor. Waiver (4) does not apply to funds needed to meet the Minimum Salary Schedule for teachers in South Carolina. A school district is eligible for an annual renewal of the waiver provided the district meets one of the above criteria and meets the minimum effort requirement of the previous year and at least the minimum required effort of the Education Finance Act.
HISTORY: 1990 Act No. 612, Section 74C.
Structure South Carolina Code of Laws
Chapter 21 - State Aid For Schools
Section 59-21-10. "School" defined.
Section 59-21-20. Appropriation for teacher salaries based on term of 190 days.
Section 59-21-30. Schools operating times; minimum average daily attendance.
Section 59-21-40. Partial participation of small schools.
Section 59-21-50. Participation of small schools which cannot be consolidated.
Section 59-21-60. Part-time teachers not covered.
Section 59-21-90. Computation of years of experience of teachers.
Section 59-21-110. Allowance for supervision and overhead.
Section 59-21-120. Allowance for maintenance and operation.
Section 59-21-130. Disbursement to counties.
Section 59-21-140. State Fiscal Accountability Authority may borrow in anticipation of revenue.
Section 59-21-310. Definitions.
Section 59-21-320. Annual grant for financing needed capital improvements.
Section 59-21-330. Obligation to make grants subordinate to State school bonds.
Section 59-21-340. Application of grants.
Section 59-21-350. Purposes for which grants may be used.
Section 59-21-360. County plans of necessary capital improvements or tax relief.
Section 59-21-370. Applications for funds.
Section 59-21-380. Remittance and disbursement of funds.
Section 59-21-390. Employment of architects and other personnel.
Section 59-21-400. Rules and regulations.
Section 59-21-410. Letting of contracts.
Section 59-21-430. Use of funds within specified time.
Section 59-21-510. Definitions.
Section 59-21-530. State Superintendent authorized to employ additional personnel; salaries.
Section 59-21-540. Special educational services for which State aid allowed.
Section 59-21-550. Qualifications of teachers.
Section 59-21-580. Rules, regulations, and policies of State Board of Education.
Section 59-21-590. Confidentiality of data on handicapped children.
Section 59-21-600. Distribution of funds for educational services to mentally handicapped pupils.
Section 59-21-710. State aid authorized for employment of school psychologists.
Section 59-21-720. Psychologists shall have certificates.
Section 59-21-730. Payment of State aid; amount.
Section 59-21-750. Psychologist employed by State Department of Education.
Section 59-21-760. Rules and regulations.
Section 59-21-1040. Compensation and employer contributions; funding.
Section 59-21-1210. Campus incentive program established; funding.