Budget

A: The Board is utilizing the strategic plan and the six goals they have prioritized to determine the priorities of the budget. The prioritization is as follows: Student Safety and Wellness (People and Places), Supportive Environment for Teachers and Staff, Academic Performance, Equity Diversity and Inclusion, Family Engagement and Community Partnerships.

A: The district staff representation is significantly higher than the state allotments for positions. Based on our student population, the state funds NHCS at 24 10.5 month assistant principals, however, the district has a total of 59. Additionally, the state allotments allow for NHCS to have 19 AIG teachers; the district currently employs 34.

A: The operating budget pays for the day-to-day operations of schools, which includes salaries, supplies, program costs, utilities, and routine maintenance. The general fund receives money from the state and federal government, as well as local funding. The capital budget funds "capital" projects, like buying land, building facilities, making major capital improvements, and paying for costs tied to construction. In addition materials/equipment are needed to furnish new buildings. Capital funds and operating funds have to be kept separate and the district can not use capital expenditures for its operating expenses.

A: The presentation is linked here.

A: The state has already approved a 2.5% salary increase for staff when they passed the budget in November 2021. Unless the state makes a change this will be the increase.

A: Once New Hanover County approves revenue for New Hanover County Schools for next fiscal year which is expected mid to late June the Board of Education will be provided a budget for approval.

A: If the Commissioners do not agree to fund the district budget, the Board of Education will review alternative proposals.  Revised budget plan will go to the Board of Education for approval.

A: The school district is developing a philanthropic funding proposal to help sustain training, professional development, and incentives for experienced and effective teachers and staff to work in schools where our students need them most.

A: The expansion of six additional Pre-K classrooms is included in the current budget request?

A: The new budget is set to be rolled out in a three-year plan. Bus drivers and teacher assistants will receive the increased $17 an hour raise during the 2022-2023 school year with the rest of the classified staff following in the following two years.

A: A potential 230 positions will be cut to ensure all district classified staff received a minimum of $17 an hour.

A: Positions reduction will happen at the school and district levels with the majority being support positions and NOT classroom positions.

A: The state held districts harmless following COVID-19, that will not be the case for the 2022-2023 school year and beyond.

A: The district is hoping to cut positions through attrition.

A: On average, classified staff will see an increase of 29% in grades 55-65 and an average increase of 23% in grades 66-78 if the current budget request is approved by County.

A: Staff who do not receive their immediate raises will receive a bonus of $1000 each year until they receive their raises. Grades 58-78 will receive a $1000 bonus during the 2022-2023 FY and grades 66-78 will receive a $1000 bonus during the 2023-2024 FY.

A: The district outline of the use of ESSER or Covid Relief Funds can be found here.

A: The district will be able to fund one-to-one in terms of devices. Recurring funding has not been identified at this time for additional technology staff to support the devices.

A: If funded by the commissioners, with the cuts in positions and as long as the district can maintain its current enrollment the raises are sustainable.

A: The NC Education Lottery is funding from the state level, our local government does not have access to those funds. Click the link to see how NC Education Lottery Funds are used: https://nclottery.com/education.