WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – One school district still does not have a finalized budget after hours of debate at the New Hanover County Schools board meeting on Tuesday.
The proposed budget outlined how the school board planned to use the additional $5.5 million it received from the county on top of the $100 million it already received.
School board members’ main goal was to determine if there would need to be any layoffs if the budget presented by staff was finalized. Originally, 280 positions were on the line. Members say in the newly presented budget, 160 people would likely keep their jobs, but as many as 120 might not.
The vote resulted in a 4-2 to not adopt the presented 2024-2025 balanced budget, leaving the board only six days away from when the district needs to have a finalized budget.
Superintendent Dr. Charles Foust says with no budget by that date, some employees will lose their jobs, and others could go without pay over the summer.
“We’re in a tough spot right now because we are almost at the ninth hour,” said Dr. Foust.
Despite the clock ticking, board members say they need more questions answered. Staff says 160 people will likely still have a job with the newly balanced budget. But board members want to know about the other 120. They’re asking if those people would be laid off, and if so, what positions would those be?
“The board was not willing to vote on a budget because we aren’t certain of the numbers. We don’t feel that we have all the information,” said NHCS board member Melissa Mason.
Board member Hugh McManus says if 120 positions are cut, the school system would suffer.
“Morale sucks. There goes the academics and the focus and the loyalty. It’s just that simple,” said McManus. “So either we do something or we say no we’re not going to support the budget.”
With no decision made at the end of the day, board members called an emergency meeting for Thursday, June 27.
Members say they just want more answers and clarity, and hopefully no job cuts
“That was the last thing we wanted to have happen. I feel like I’m in the middle of a nightmare,” said NHCS board member Pat Bradford. “I feel like I’m in the middle of a shell game. Everything keeps moving around and we’re just completely clueless.”
The emergency meeting will take place at 11 a.m.
Board members are expected to finalize a budget.
Board members also voted 4-2 to adopt a six-month contract for its new law firm, Crossley McIntosh Collier Hanley & Edes, P.L.L.C.
The contract will go into effect beginning July 1.
Board members voted to postpone other agenda items, including discussing controversial policies 3200 and 7300.
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