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Weighted Student Funding at CCSD

Resources follow student needs to ensure fairness, transparency, and school-level autonomy across Charleston County School District.

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Charleston County School District (CCSD) has adopted a Weighted Student Funding (WSF) model to ensure that financial resources are distributed equitably and transparently across its schools. Rather than relying solely on traditional staffing formulas, WSF directs funding based on the specific needs of students. Every child generates a base per-pupil allocation, and additional weights are applied for Poverty Index Pupils (PIP), Multilingual Learners (MLL), and Students with Disabilities (SWD). By making funding more responsive, CCSD is reinforcing its commitment to fairness, accountability, and student success.

Maximizes Support for Students

Dollars follow student needs, strengthening services for multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and those experiencing poverty.

Sustains Academic Gains

WSF helps maintain effective ESSER-era programs as one-time funds sunset, preserving gains achieved through evidence-based supports.

School-Level Autonomy

Principals and teams have more flexibility to align resources with their students’ goals, increasing autonomy and accountability.

How It Works

Weighted Student Funding (WSF) provides additional dollars based on student characteristics so support is proportional to need. In CCSD, WSF layers above base allocations to better serve students in poverty, multilingual learners, and students with disabilities.

Funding Formula Per Pupil

Funding = Weight × Per-Pupil Allocation × Number of Students

 

FY26 Per-Pupil Allocation – $1,353.61

  • Poverty Index Pupils (PIP): 0.70
  • Multilingual Learners (MLL): 1.00
  • Students with Disabilities (SWD): 0.85

Example Calculation:

  • 150 PIP students → 0.70 × $1,353.61 × 150 = $142,892
  • 100 MLL students → 1.00 × $1,353.61 × 100 = $135,361
  • 125 SWD students → 0.85 × $1,353.61 × 125 = $143,646

Total Weighted Funding = $421,899


This total is in addition to the base per-pupil allocations all students generate, ensuring that schools have both equitable foundations and targeted resources for students with greater needs.

Weighted Student Funding ensures fairness and opportunity for every student in the Charleston County School District.

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FAQ

What is Weighted Student Funding?

WSF allocates additional dollars based on student characteristics—so funding follows student need.

Who receives additional weight?

Students in poverty, multilingual learners, and students with disabilities receive additional funding weights.

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