Recent updates in Rock Hill and Fort Mill school districts

Rock Hill and Fort Mill schools have implemented notable changes and faced pressing challenges in recent months. Rock Hill School District selected a new superintendent from Iowa, while also confronting a budget shortfall that may require tax hikes or capital fund transfers. Meanwhile, the district faces community pressure over the forced departures of two principals at Dutchman Creek Middle and Rock Hill High, sparking calls for transparency.

Fort Mill School District increased student meal prices and is considering raising sports fees to address budget gaps and remain competitive in coaching stipends. Fort Mill also proposed a significant tax rate increase for businesses and property owners to support new teacher hires and pay raises.

File photo of school lunch. By Cheyenne Boone

NO. 1: FORT MILL SCHOOLS HIKES STUDENT MEAL PRICES AND COULD RAISE SPORTS FEES, TOO

The board discussed raising sports fees for the first time in more than a decade. | Published May 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Nick Sullivan

Rock Hill School District selected Deborah Elder as its top choice for superintendent. Elder will undergo contract negotiations before the board votes to formally approve her for the position.

NO. 2: ROCK HILL SCHOOL DISTRICT ANNOUNCES CHOICE FOR NEXT SUPERINTENDENT

The school board unanimously selected a leader from the Iowa Department of Education. | Published May 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Nick Sullivan

Supporters of Clayton Moton, Dutchman Creek Principal, clap Tuesday at the Rock Hill School Board meeting at Sullivan Middle School. By TRACY KIMBALL

NO. 3: ROCK HILL PARENTS DEMAND ANSWERS ABOUT 2 PRINCIPALS WHO ARE NOT RETURNING

Parents and teachers flooded a school board meeting Tuesday to demand Rock Hill School District reinstate the two school leaders. | Published May 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Nick Sullivan

The Fort Mill School District proposes a new budget that would raise taxes for business and property owners, but not on owner-occupied homes. By John Marks

NO. 4: FORT MILL SCHOOLS PLANS TAX RATE HIKE THAT COULD IMPACT MULTIPLE BUSINESSES

Vehicle and boat owners, among others, would also see their rates go up. | Published April 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by John Marks

Harry Miley, a former chief financial officer in Richland Two School District , talks to the Rock Hill School Board Wednesday about the district’s $15.8 million shortfall. By TRACY KIMBALL

NO. 5: SHORT $15.8 MILLION, ROCK HILL SCHOOL DISTRICT SEARCHES FOR WAYS TO BALANCE BUDGET

An independent financial analysis found the district used nonrecurring funds to cover recurring expenses, leaving it in a financial hole as it works on next year’s budget. | Published March 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Nick Sullivan

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.