MARLBORO COUNTY — With tough financial decisions looming over the 2025–2026 school year, the Marlboro County Board of Education held a pivotal special-called meeting on Monday, June 9, to address a looming $691,000 budget shortfall. Amid growing concern over declining revenues, the board took its first formal step by approving the first reading of a controversial cost-cutting proposal known as “Option D.”

The meeting began with routine procedures and a closed executive session to discuss personnel and legal matters. Once the public session resumed, the tone shifted quickly to the urgent financial realities facing the district.

A Stark Financial Outlook

District officials presented a sobering overview of the district’s fiscal position. Revenues are expected to drop by over $430,000, bringing the district’s total projected income down to approximately $39.6 million. Meanwhile, rising operational costs have left the district with a growing gap between income and expenses.

The financial update was delivered by Sterling Mosby, who emphasized the seriousness of the situation with a clear and pointed message: “This isn’t about fear tactics — it’s about fiscal facts,” Mosby told board members and the community.

What’s in Option D?

The proposed Option D includes a mix of cost-cutting measures and program adjustments intended to stabilize the district’s finances without immediately resorting to teacher layoffs. Key features include:

Closing BIS and CLIO schools

Repurposing the CLIO facility as an early learning center

Relocating the alternative education program

Freezing salaries for non-certified staff

Reducing workdays for assistant principals and counselors

Reassigning positions previously funded through grants

Instead of implementing layoffs, the district is focusing on attrition — leaving vacated positions unfilled to reduce payroll costs over time.

Deliberations and Concerns

Board members engaged in a wide-ranging discussion about the impacts of consolidation on transportation, class sizes, building capacities, and support services. Several members questioned whether more aggressive options — such as reductions in force (RIF) — were even legally or logistically feasible given timing and contractual obligations.

There was also cautious discussion around the potential need for a property tax millage increase, though no formal action was taken. Officials noted that while recent property reassessments may increase tax revenues, the timing of collections may not help close this year’s shortfall.

Public Hearing Ahead

With Option D approved for first reading, the board emphasized that this is not a final decision. Instead, it allows district staff to begin planning while continuing to seek community input. A public hearing on the budget has been scheduled, and board members urged residents to participate in the process.

Looking Ahead

The district’s current fund balance sits at approximately $2.5 million, well below the recommended 8.3% reserve level of $3.6 million. Even if Option D is fully implemented, long-term financial sustainability may still require new revenue streams or additional reductions, they said.