Schools and community college report midyear finances as enrollment declines pressure state funding

Keith Lawson, presenting on behalf of Burke County Public Schools, summarized midyear financials: state revenue was down 1.8% midyear, federal funds down 7.8% (reflecting a return toward pre‑pandemic levels), and local funding was up 11.1% after county contributions. Lawson said the district lost 93 students overall, and cited a local reduction in low‑wealth state funding of about $1.4 million. He warned continuing enrollment declines will pressure next year’s budget and noted staffing is a majority of expenditures (around 86% payroll).

"We lost 93 students, And then also, we had a reduction in low wealth state funding of $1,400,000," Lawson said, noting the district is addressing a projected deficit through targeted reductions and preparing for further adjustments.

Sandy Holman of Western Piedmont Community College reported a combined college budget midpoint and increases in FTE (fall FTE +4.9%; spring FTE up 9% as of Jan. 6), while noting headcount can decline even as FTE rises after a move toward many eight‑week terms. WPCC requested a $650,000 transfer from county reserve to fund capital projects including electrical panel replacements (nine buildings), Alpine Tower/ropes course repairs (hurricane damage), and a dental hygiene lab at EFHEC; Holman said grant aid (a $400,000 Cannnon Foundation award) is offsetting part of the costs.

Both presenters took questions about specifics; commissioners asked for comparative documents and additional detail before acting on any budget amendments.