Local schools are reaching into the past to operate in the future.
Cleveland County Schools needs a spending plan for the start of the 2013-14 fiscal year, but final budget decisions can’t be made until state leaders make funding allocations in the next several months.
So, the local school board unanimously approved an interim 2013-14 budget this week that mirrors the original $150 million spending plan approved for the 2012-13 school year.
“This is to allow you to continue your spending level at the originally adopted plan for the current year,” school finance director David Lee told the school board Monday night. “This will give spending authority to the schools to continue to operate while the state works on the budget.”
There was no discussion about the interim plan among school board members before Monday’s vote.
Lee said CCS has taken similar actions in previous years while awaiting a final budget from the state.
He said the N.C. General Assembly is expected to present a budget by the end of June, but final state funding may not be set until August.
“Then we’ll find out how many teachers and other items are funded,” Lee said.
In April, school leaders approved a preliminary 2013-14 budget to submit to Cleveland County commissioners.
Compared to the current year, that budget plan includes about $4 million less from the state and about
$5 million less in federal grant money, while it plans for more than $2 million more in local expense funding.
Other schools business
-
School leaders are also considering purchasing property at Woodside Drive and Cleveland Avenue in Kings Mountain to make space for more parking at East Elementary.
Assistant Superintendent John Yarbro and school board members said parking is at a premium at the school. - The school system is also planning a roof improvement project at North Elementary School. Sunrise Roofing Services offered the lowest bid for the work at $176,000.