News Summary

Asheville City Schools is anticipating potential budget cuts as discussions around Buncombe County’s fiscal budget unfold. With a request of $21.8 million, the school district’s needs surpass the proposed $17 million budget, leaving a significant gap of nearly $4 million. Superintendent Dr. Maggie Fehrman emphasized the importance of maintaining staff levels while the community looks for ways to increase funding. A public hearing is set for May 20, enabling community input on the uncertain budget situation which may lead to detrimental cuts to crucial educational programs.

Asheville

Asheville City Schools (ACS) is bracing for potential budget cuts amid ongoing discussions surrounding the Buncombe County budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year. If the county final budget does not allocate the requested funds, ACS may have to implement significant reductions in programs and personnel, impacting the educational experience for local students.

The ACS Board of Education recently approved a “no-cuts” budget totaling $21.8 million in April. However, this request exceeds the proposed budget from the Buncombe County Budget Department, which allocates only $17 million for ACS. The shortfall leaves nearly $4 million unaddressed in the budgetary needs of the school district.

Superintendent Dr. Maggie Fehrman presented the budget request to the Buncombe County Commissioners earlier this month, emphasizing the district’s commitment to avoiding cuts to personnel. Local budgets in North Carolina are determined by county commissioners, which adds a layer of financial uncertainty as state and federal funding becomes reliant on local funding decisions.

Rising Costs and Increased Funding Requests

The financial strain on ACS stems from rising costs associated with teacher salaries and benefits. The school district has already utilized $3 million from its fund balance to manage ongoing expenses, yet they still face an anticipated fiscal shortfall of almost $4 million. To address this gap, ACS has initiated the “Need Our Two Cents” campaign, which seeks to increase the supplemental tax rate from 10 cents to between 12 and 15 cents. This increase is expected to yield an additional $1.5-1.7 million in revenue, supporting essential programs and services.

Implications of Potential Cuts

If the funding needs are not met, ACS may have to implement drastic cuts, potentially affecting music, arts, and AVID programs. There is significant concern among community members about how these cuts could lead to larger class sizes and the elimination of valuable programs for students. Decisions concerning potential budget cuts are expected to take place by late June, with a final budget being adopted by the county on June 3.

A public hearing has been scheduled for May 20, providing an opportunity for community feedback on the budget proposal. Many educators and students have expressed their opposition to the potential cuts, fearing that it would severely disrupt school operations and diminish the support provided to students. In response, a petition has been initiated to advocate for fully funded budgets, aiming to prevent losses in staff and programs that are vital for the educational landscape.

Broader Context and Concerns

The proposed budget cuts are indicative of more extensive financial challenges facing both ACS and Buncombe County Schools. Estimates suggest that the broader cuts could lead to the elimination of 100-150 positions across all Buncombe County Schools, leading to fears of diminished educational quality and support. Stakeholders are united in their call for increased county and state funding to mitigate these budget shortfalls and ensure that local public schools can continue to operate effectively.

The budget presented by County Manager Avril Pinder reflects a nearly $4 million discrepancy between ACS’s budget request and the proposed county allocation. Additionally, Buncombe County Schools are facing a funding gap of approximately $10 million, further underscoring the gravity of the financial situation impacting public education in the area.

Without proper funding, local public schools may encounter unprecedented challenges that could harm the educational experiences of students in Asheville. The community’s response in the following weeks will be pivotal in determining how these financial hurdles will be addressed.

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Additional Resources

• WLOS: Latest County Budget Proposal
• Google Search: Asheville City Schools budget cuts
• Spectrum News: WNC School Funding
• Wikipedia: Buncombe County, North Carolina
• Fox Carolina: Educators Express Concerns