Fort Mill School Board Meeting Highlights, January 7, 2025

Special Recognitions

• Recognition of Nation Ford High School Band for State Championship

• Recognition of Catawba Ridge High School Band 2024 4A Upper State and State Champions

• Recognition of Catawba Ridge High School Band 2nd in the Nation at the Bands of America Grand National Championship

• Recognition of Banks Trail Middle School Choral Student

• Recognition of Fort Mill High School FFA Agronomy Team for State Championship

• Recognition of Forest Creek Middle School Mock Trial Team for State Championship

• Recognition of Nation Ford High School Digital Art and Design Student Josh Miller for Cover Design of the 2023-24 Annual Audit Report

School Spotlight – Forest Creek Middle School

Principal Amanda Kubbs, along with staff members from Doby’s Bridge Elementary School,highlighted the success of its Professional Learning Teams (PLTs), which focus on improving teaching and learning through collaboration, data analysis, and strategy sharing. PLTs promote collective teacher efficacy, fostering trust, teamwork, and shared commitment to student success. Despite challenges like limited planning time and curriculum adjustments, PLTs have positively impacted student outcomes and strengthened team dynamics. Teachers emphasized the importance of solution-oriented, student-centered collaboration supported by open communication and trust.

Annual Audit Report

Mrs. Leanne Lordo and Mr. David Phillips presented the findings of the Annual Audit Report. The Fort Mill School District received a positive financial audit report for 2024, from Greene Finney Cauley, LLP, a testament to the district’s strong financial management practices. The General Fund saw a $3.8M increase, representing 22% of expenditures. Revenues increased by 13%, while expenditures, which rose by 13%, supported salary increases, benefits, and expanded staffing. Key fund balances include $11.7M for debt service and $64.1M for planned capital projects. There were no compliance findings or material weaknesses, and the audit praised the district’s staff for their exceptional collaboration and support throughout the process.

Monthly Financial/Impact Fee Update

Mrs. Leanne Lordo presented the monthly financial and impact fee report:

Monthly Financial Report

• November 30th – Fifth Month in Fiscal Year

• Total Revenue $67,041,492

Total Expenditures $87,011,971

Decrease ($19,970,479) – Cash flow using Fund Balance

• Vehicle tax collections $1,692,709

• Real Estate taxes $3,948,175

• Tier 1 Homestead Reimbursement $1,873,371 (90% received)

Impact Fees

• Total collected to date $72,496,792

• To Date, Interest Earned on Impact Fees $6,811,405

• Single Family units 2,834/Multi Family 1,653/ Total 4,024 Units

• December had 58 homes and 12 multi-family units added

• Comparable data for 12 months rolling for Single Family

o December 2023 to December 2024 $8,897,420 or 490 SF Units (63% more)

o December 2022 to December 2023 $5,447,400 or 300 Units

• Comparable data for 12 months rolling for Multi Family

o December 2023 to December 2024 $1,177,960 or 98 MF Units (31% less)

o December 2022 to December 2023 $1,718,860 or 143 Units

• Calendar Year 2024 Average collections $839,615

December 2024 Actual collections $1,197,404

New Impact Fee Study

• Completed by TischlerBise Consultants

• Presented to York County Planning Commission at December 9th meeting.

• Vote by Commissioners deferred until January meeting, which will be held next Monday, January 13th.

• New study supports a maximum Single family fee of $29,640 and Multi-family $20,796.

Monthly Financial Overview

December Impact Fee Report

Superintendent’s Report

Dr. Chuck Epps provided an enrollment update and an overview of upcoming events for January, 2025. At the time of the report the district had 18,489 students enrolled. For a complete listing of events please click the calendar link below.

Enrollment Update

Calendar of Events

Fort Mill School Board meetings can be viewed live or on demand on the district’s YouTube channel or with the link below.