School Dist. 1 Finds Ways to Excel in Face of Budget Challenges

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Anderson School District 1 is adding as many as 200 new students each year, and new Superintendent Seth Young said he’s optimistic the district will continue to prosper despite extreme financial challenges.

Young, who took over this year for retiring Superintendent Robbie Binnicker, said he’s pleased with progress in the district as well as overall test scores and Advanced Placement test scores. Work is also under way on Oak Hill Elementary School, which will help meet the demands of growth of the K-5 student population.

The district is the second largest in Anderson County, with just over 11,000 students, but has one of the lowest per-pupil expenditures in South Carolina, due to Act 388, which was passed by the General Assembly in 2006 with the ostensible aim of providing property tax relief to homeowners, shifting of property tax burden from primary homeowners to business property.

But that legislation has left huge holes in many school budgets, as well as municipalities which are unable to generate revenue due to the restrictions.

Dist. 1 is particularly hit hard by the legislation, since there is a limited industrial base in the district, something that is further challenged by property costs discouraging future commercial development.

The district has just under 2,000 fewer students than Dist. 5, the county’s largest district. But the Dist. 1 budget is almost $40 million less than Dist. 5 due to Act 388.

But Young said the district is ready to face the challenges. The district is fully staffed with certified teachers for the upcoming school year, and he said the district’s culture of success will continue.

Young discusses the district’s work and upcoming school year in this interview with the Anderson Observer.