IRMO, S.C. — Lexington-Richland School District Five may amend its budget this fall after seeing a drop of more than 600 students at the start of the new school year.

“We are down over 600, I believe 627 students from 10 days last year. That will have an impact on our state revenue,” Superintendent Akil Ross said during this week’s school board meeting.

District leaders say enrollment is tied to how much money they receive from the state. With fewer students, the district could face a shortfall, potentially leading to budget cuts.

Typically, Lexington-Richland 5 amends its budget in January, midway through the school year. But this year, Ross said the process will begin in October.

“This is an early indication of a reduction of state aid to classroom,” Ross said. “So we're going to be

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