WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – There are still no answers on how New Hanover County Schools plans to use money received from the county to help close its $20 million budget deficit.
The school board asked for about $10 million to help with operations. They received about $5.5 million. Now, they need to figure out how to spend it.
The board of education met earlier on Tuesday to take a closer look at the numbers but didn’t vote today to accept the $5.5 million. Board members say they need to see an outline from the central office staff of how exactly that money will be spent.
“I’m having a hard time voting for something that I don’t know,” said NHCS board member Stephanie Kraybill.
What board members do know is that about $2 million of the $5.5 million will be spent on natural attrition. That’s when employees leave for reasons such as retiring, resigning, or leaving for a different job versus a layoff.
As for the other $3 million, that’s up for board members and central office staff to decide.
Board members say their top priorities are to save all 17 EC Teachers, 12 AIG positions, and the 23 EC Teaching Assistants.
Chairman Pete Wildeboer says they also hope to keep all assistant principals.
Board members and central office staff are hoping to avoid laying anyone off.
“My biggest fear is a reduction in force. That’s a layoff,” said NHCS superintendent Dr. Charles Foust.
They especially don’t want to cut any student-facing positions.
“We don’t want to cut anyone. Again, we don’t want a reduction force, you know, where you actually have to go and say, well, unfortunately, you don’t have a position anymore. So there’s going to be some shifting around. But we want to, again, give our students the best education we possibly can,” said Wildeboer.
Wildeboer says to do this, the board should consider dipping into its fund balance.
Board member Pat Bradford says they shouldn’t in case there is an emergency.
Board members say they hope positions will only have to be cut through the natural attrition process.
The board will meet next Tuesday, a week from today at its agenda review meeting.
Chief Financial Officer Amy Sutton will present them with an outline of how the $3 million will be spent, keeping in mind their priorities.
Copyright 2024 WECT. All rights reserved.