An overview of the FY 2025-2026 Proposed Budget for School District 56 -- Clinton, Joanna, Cross Hill -- will be presented tonight (May 19) to the district's Board of Trustees by Finance Director Lynn Lawson.
Later in the regular monthy meeting (moved to May 19 because the regular 4th Monday date is the federal Memorial Day holiday) the board will consider the 1st of 2 required readings of the document. The meeting will be at 7:30 pm in the District 56 Conference Center, 100 Legion Dr., Clinton; the meeting is open to the public.
The District has gone at least a decade without raising property tax rates to balance its annual budget. That could a challenge this year with the elimination of the United State Department of Education which funds some special education and child nutrition programs.
The Trustees will provide special recognition for Cathy Jacobs, who is the South Carolina Manager of the Year for school cafeterias.
Prior to the open session, the board will consider student discipline and personnel in a closed, executive session.
The board offers 15 minutes of Audience Participation time, 3 minutes per participant, based on district guidelines. Next is the report from Superintendent Dr. David O'Shields, followed by Lawson's budget/finance report. Joey Avery will present a Safety Report (Centigex update). Action Items in addition to the budget are 2nd reading of the 2026-27 calendar, student retention policies with recent state changes, local board-approved courses, and the proposed board meeting schedule for 2025-26, and there will be action as necessary for items from the executive session (teachers' contracts, etc).
DISTRICT 56 YEAR-END
May 23 - 6 pm, Clinton High School Football Recognition, Wilder Stadium.
May 28 - 8:15 am, Senior Breakfast and Senior Elementary School Parade.
May 28 - 6 pm, Academic Awards at Clinton High School.
May 29 - 7 pm, Senior Awards Night & Fireworks, Clinton High School.
May 30 - 10 am, Clinton High School Graduation at CHS (Check with individual schools for other year-end activities).
June 23 - 7:30 pm, Board Meeting at D56 Conference Center.
More about District 56 here.
and here.
