Asheville Faces Tough Times as County Cuts Education Funding

Community members rallying against education funding cuts in Asheville.

News Summary

Asheville City Schools and Buncombe County Schools are facing a significant reduction in funding of $4.7 million due to county budget cuts. Both school systems are left to grapple with the implications of a 4% funding reduction, equating to $718,000 for ACS and $3.97 million for BCS. The cuts come amidst rising unemployment and a projected revenue loss for the county, leading to a hiring freeze and budget cuts across departments. Community members have voiced strong opposition, advocating for alternative solutions to protect education funding.

Asheville Faces Tough Times as County Cuts Education Funding by $4.7 Million

In a move that has left educators and community members concerned, Asheville City Schools (ACS) and Buncombe County Schools (BCS) are bracing for a significant funding cut. The Buncombe County Commission has announced that both school systems will receive 4% less funding than expected, amounting to a staggering $4.69 million less than what was needed.

To put this into perspective, ACS will have to cut back by approximately $718,000, while BCS faces an even larger reduction of $3.97 million. This 4% cut translates to a jaw-dropping 10.4% reduction over the final five months of the fiscal year. Imagine trying to run a household or a business on such a reduced budget! It’s quite a tricky situation for everyone involved, particularly for the students affected by these cuts.

Financial Struggles Looming Over Buncombe County

Buncombe County is grappling with a serious financial crisis, facing a projected revenue loss between $15 million and $25 million this fiscal year. The challenge is compounded by rising unemployment, which has surpassed 10,000 individuals as of November 2024. This economic issue has forced the county into a hiring freeze, impacting all departments except for the essential 911 staff.

Revenue sources are dwindling, with occupancy tax revenues down by nearly $6 million compared to last year. Even sales tax revenues have dipped by $1 million. The county’s leaders are not just making minor adjustments; they have enacted consolidated budget cuts totaling a staggering $17.6 million. For the first time in over two decades, Buncombe County is even dipping into its reserves, which has raised eyebrows about the long-term sustainability of such a decision.

The Impact on Education

With the education funding cuts, local educators are understandably upset. Prior to the county commissioners’ meeting, many teachers and education advocates rallied against the proposed budget reductions. Organizations like the Buncombe County Association of Educators and the Asheville City Association of Educators have expressed their strong discontent about how these cuts could affect schools and students.

In light of the impending reductions, educators presented alternative solutions during discussions. They suggested utilizing the fund balance or even considering a minor property tax increase to cover the necessary shortfalls. However, despite addressing these concerns, the cuts were ultimately approved by a vote of 5-2, following public comments and discussions.

Community Response and Support for Schools

The opposition from the community has been loud and clear. A staggering 700 individuals sent nearly 5,000 emails urging the county commissioners to reconsider their decision on these cuts. The message is simple: local families deeply value quality education and worry about how financial constraints will impact their schools and the futures of their children.

As the county continues to face financial challenges, it is essential for local leaders to keep the best interests of students and educators front and center. The county’s commissioners have pledged to replenish the school funding once state funding becomes available, but there is a long road ahead. With the North Carolina General Assembly set to reconvene on January 29, there is hope that federal and state funds can be unlocked to assist in recovery efforts.

In the meantime, the community of Asheville will be keeping a close eye on the situation, eager to see how these cuts will play out and hoping for the best for their schools and students.