Asheville City Schools Considers Staff Cuts
On June 27, the Asheville City Board of Education took a significant step towards addressing a $1.2 million budget shortfall for the upcoming fiscal year. Superintendent Maggie Fehrman was granted the authority by the Board to explore the possibility of reducing central office staff as a means of closing the funding gap.
Background
Despite receiving only $600,000 of the $3.8 million increase it had requested from the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, Asheville City Schools faces a revenue deficit of $1.9 million due to declining enrollment and the expiration of federal pandemic-related funding. Efforts to cut back on increased expenditures and tapping into reserves have still left the district with a significant financial shortfall.
The Proposal
Superintendent Fehrman believes that the district has reached its operational limit at school sites and that central office staff reductions may be necessary. Additional measures under consideration include trimming contracted services like landscaping and security, leaving open positions unfilled, and exploring further reductions in departmental budgets. Fehrman is aiming to present any potential staff cuts to the Board for approval in August.
Conclusion
The decision to explore staff cuts comes as Asheville City Schools grapples with financial challenges exacerbated by shifting student demographics and reduced funding sources. Superintendent Fehrman’s proposal seeks to address the budget gap strategically while minimizing the impact on core educational services provided by the district.
