Fort Mill Schools To Allow Non-Resident Employee Kids Enrollment With Fee

Fort Mill School District board approved a policy that lets full-time employees who live outside the district enroll their children starting in 2026-27. The plan requires a $1,500 annual fee for out-of-state residents, while in-state residents pay $500.

Board members voted without opposition on the update to Policy JFAB. This policy governs admission of non-resident students. Officials say the fees match half of what typical homeowners in the district pay toward school construction debt.

"This is not a public transfer program, but an employee benefit," said Assistant Superintendent Latoya Dixon.

The policy comes before a new South Carolina law takes effect. That law will require all districts to establish interdistrict transfer policies by 2027. An annual application window would open in early March, with approvals coming in April.

Employees hired after that date can still apply each year. Enrollment depends on available space. Workers can list their top three schools, but class size and capacity will determine placement. Employees must provide transportation.

"This approach supports recruitment and retention, and aligns our practices as a district with other districts in our area," Dixon said.

Board member Michele Branning supports the change but voiced concerns about growth. "This is a great opportunity for retention and recruiting for teachers," Branning said, according to the Herald Online. "My concern becomes the strain or potential strain that it puts on our community. And what does a future bond request look like to our community?"

The district employs about 2,600 people, said spokesman Joe Burke. Officials don't have a breakdown of how many live inside or outside the district or how many have school-age children.

A survey conducted two years ago found the policy change would add about 390 students, said Superintendent Grey Young. "A few years prior to that, it was 800 to 1,000," said board Chairwoman Kristy Spears. "And that was when we knew it was just not something we could manage."

Enrollment has doubled since 2010. More than 18,000 students now attend Fort Mill schools. That growth has required seven bond referendum campaigns since 2004, totaling more than $900 million.

The new students would count toward state money for operational needs like hiring teachers. They'd also count in formulas that determine school size classifications for sports or band.