School board adopts interim budget resolution, awaits word on state budget allocation

The Wake County Board of Education unanimously adopted an interim budget resolution Tuesday night while it awaits word from the state on if any additional funds will be allocated to the Wake County Public School System next school year.

Last month, the school board requested a $64.2 million increase in county funding for next year as compared to this year. The ask was made so that teachers and bus drivers could receive raises, and to continue a number of programs that are funded with federal dollars which are set to dry up next year.

At its June 3 meeting, the county Board of Commissioners approved an operating budget for next school year that includes $58.3 in additional funding for the Wake County Public School System.

So, as of now, WCPSS is $5.9 million short of being fully funded for next year. And until the state finalizes its own budget, which may or may not cover the nearly $6 million gap, an interim budget is necessary to continue paying salaries and its ordinary expense

“It’s possible that any final state legislative decisions on the second year biennial budget may increase the gap that we need to reconcile. It’s also possible, as we’ve seen in past recent years, that it could decrease or eliminate that gap,” David Neter, WCPSS’s Chief Business Officer, told the board.

State lawmakers are still in the midst of their own budget discussions for next fiscal year. The prospect of pay raises for teachers has repeatedly been proposed and challenged, but no consensus has yet been reached or a budget passed.

The interim operating budget will serve as a placeholder until the state passes its own budget and the county knows for sure whether the school system will be fully funded, or if cuts will need to be made

“Once any final legislative decisions are made about next year’s state budget, we will bring back to the board recommendations for adjustments to reconcile the board’s proposed budget for 2024 25 to the final state budget,” Neter said.

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