Asheville City Schools Face Budget Cuts Amid Funding Shortfall

Community members protesting outside Asheville City Schools for budget funding.

News Summary

Asheville City Schools are bracing for significant budget cuts due to a proposed reduction in funding from Buncombe County. With a budget allocation falling short of what was approved by the school board, the district faces a potential shortfall of nearly $4 million. To mitigate these impacts, ACS is utilizing reserve funds while advocating for a supplemental tax adjustment to alleviate financial strain. The situation raises concerns over potential program cuts and the overall quality of education. A public hearing for community input is scheduled as budget negotiations continue.

Asheville, North Carolina – Asheville City Schools (ACS) are preparing for significant budget cuts due to a proposed reduction in funding from Buncombe County. The county’s preliminary budget plan allocates $17 million for ACS, which is $100,000 more than the previous year but falls short of the $21.8 million budget approved by the school board in April. This discrepancy could lead to a potential budget shortfall of nearly $4 million for the school district.

To address this financial crisis, ACS has taken measures to mitigate the impact on essential services that directly affect students. The school district is utilizing $3 million from its fund balance to help cover ongoing expenses, but this approach is not sustainable long-term. Rising costs associated with teacher salaries and benefits are primarily driving the budget shortfall, prompting school officials to seek alternative sources of funding.

In an effort to advocate for the necessary funds, ACS has launched the “Need Our Two Cents” campaign. Through this initiative, the district is requesting that Buncombe County restore its supplemental tax rate from 10 cents back to 12 cents. This adjustment could generate an estimated additional $1.5 to $1.7 million, which would significantly alleviate the financial strain on the schools.

The implications of these funding issues could be dire if the required financial resources are not secured. ACS officials have indicated that program cuts, potentially affecting vital areas such as music, arts, and academic support programs like AVID, may become inevitable. Additionally, there may be adverse effects on central office operations and staffing levels, which could result in increased class sizes and a decrease in individual attention for students. Last year, the school district witnessed improvements in student achievement, and there are concerns that cuts could reverse this progress.

As the budget negotiations unfold, the final county budget is set to be adopted on June 3, with significant decisions regarding potential cuts likely to be made by late June. In recognition of the community’s stake in this matter, a public hearing has been scheduled for May 20, where residents will have the opportunity to express their concerns and voice their opinions regarding the proposed budget.

Compounding the financial challenges facing Asheville City Schools, Buncombe County Schools (BCS) are also anticipating budget cuts, with BCS projected to lose about $4 million according to the latest budget plan. The dual cuts could lead to the elimination of up to five teaching positions per school across both districts, prompting widespread worries about the negative impact on educational quality and staffing.

The community response to the budget cuts has been marked by frustration and concern, especially among parents and educators who have actively participated in protests aimed at preserving school funding. Many community members are advocating for solutions that prioritize the educational needs of students while ensuring that teachers and staff are adequately supported.

In previous years, Asheville City Schools have faced challenges with funding, including recent eliminations of 11 positions. The supplemental tax that has been in effect since the Great Depression has helped to bridge financial gaps in supporting the district. However, Buncombe County’s Budget Department has indicated limitations in their ability to offset every shortfall in state and federal funding. As budget discussions continue, the focus remains on reaching a resolution that supports the educational environment and upholds the quality of education for students in both Asheville City Schools and Buncombe County Schools.