The Charleston County School District is celebrating record teacher retention as it prepares for the 2026-2027 school year.
Teacher Retention and Vacancies
CCSD reports just 63 vacancies districtwide and a 98% teacher retention rate. This is a significant improvement from nearly 300 vacancies two years ago.
High Interest in Charleston Classrooms
Not only are teachers staying, but many are applying to join the district. On average, teaching positions receive 70-75 applications, with some roles attracting as many as 200 applicants. Roles that historically saw low interest—such as special education, middle school English, and elementary classrooms—have experienced a notable increase in applications.
Investments Supporting Educators
CCSD attributes these improvements to investments in compensation, school culture, and employee well-being. This includes childcare options and professional support for teachers.
During a recent board meeting, CCSD’s Board of Trustees approved the 2027 fiscal year budget, raising the starting teacher salary to $67,500—cited as the highest starting pay among non-union districts in the U.S.
Superintendent Anita Huggins said, “Stability, consistency, and access to high-quality educators are critical to student achievement. We have focused not only on compensation but on creating an environment where educators feel supported, valued, and empowered to do their best work for students.”
Looking Ahead
The district plans to continue investing in recruitment and retention strategies to ensure every classroom has high-quality educators.
