Board approves county appropriation request with 1% supplement ask for staff
May 12, 2026 | Henderson County Schools, School Districts, North Carolina
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The Henderson County Board of Public Education voted May 11 to send a county-appropriation request for the 2026–27 fiscal year that includes an additional 1% supplement for both certified and noncertified staff.
Finance staff presented the proposed request and walked trustees through the assumptions included from the county manager's draft budget (a baseline appropriation figure, and a $1 million capital outlay line). Staff noted declining average daily membership (ADM) and rising employer costs for retirement and health insurance and explained that those uncontrollable increases factored into the request. Trustees discussed regional recruitment pressures — board members cited higher starting scales in neighboring counties and South Carolina districts and said supplements are needed to recruit and retain teachers.
Board members considered a phased, tiered approach but settled on asking for an additional 1% supplement this cycle while directing staff to pursue longer-term, tiered planning. Finance staff provided illustrative costs: moving certified supplement by 1% would cost the district roughly $650,000 based on current levels, with an estimated additional cost if state salary actions differ from district assumptions. Board members and staff noted that some of the previously budgeted fund-balance drawdown may not be needed depending on the state's final salary decisions.
On a voice vote the board approved the appropriation package (the board's motion included the baseline appropriation number and the 1% supplement request) and directed staff to finalize materials for the county commission and to continue discussions on a longer-term tiered supplement plan.
Board members emphasized the need to continue conversations with county commissioners about capital projects (including a bus garage) and the allocation of future lottery funds now that two bond obligations are paid.
Finance staff presented the proposed request and walked trustees through the assumptions included from the county manager's draft budget (a baseline appropriation figure, and a $1 million capital outlay line). Staff noted declining average daily membership (ADM) and rising employer costs for retirement and health insurance and explained that those uncontrollable increases factored into the request. Trustees discussed regional recruitment pressures — board members cited higher starting scales in neighboring counties and South Carolina districts and said supplements are needed to recruit and retain teachers.
Board members considered a phased, tiered approach but settled on asking for an additional 1% supplement this cycle while directing staff to pursue longer-term, tiered planning. Finance staff provided illustrative costs: moving certified supplement by 1% would cost the district roughly $650,000 based on current levels, with an estimated additional cost if state salary actions differ from district assumptions. Board members and staff noted that some of the previously budgeted fund-balance drawdown may not be needed depending on the state's final salary decisions.
On a voice vote the board approved the appropriation package (the board's motion included the baseline appropriation number and the 1% supplement request) and directed staff to finalize materials for the county commission and to continue discussions on a longer-term tiered supplement plan.
Board members emphasized the need to continue conversations with county commissioners about capital projects (including a bus garage) and the allocation of future lottery funds now that two bond obligations are paid.
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