No Layoffs in Asheville Area Schools Despite Loss of Millions in Federal Funds

Asheville, NC – Two school systems in the Asheville area are preparing to welcome back students with much less funding than usual this school year. They are grappling with the end of the availability of COVID relief dollars that local school districts have benefited from over the past four years.

Loss of ESSER Funds Hits Hard

Despite facing millions in federal budget cuts, neither of Asheville’s two school systems have laid off any staff. Dr. Rob Jackson, superintendent of Buncombe County Schools, admitted that they are operating a leaner budget than ever. “We had to make some really tough decisions, and we are in a place where we are good. We’re not great…we’re not flush with cash. We are leaner than we’ve ever been,” Jackson said.

Schools have benefitted from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) fund since 2020, but that funding runs out next month. Buncombe County Schools has received $110 million in ESSER funds, which Jackson stated had been put to good use. The money enabled them to upgrade HVAC systems and buy new student materials. However, this loss of funding has forced the district to make hard choices, such as cutting five social worker and counselor positions.

Strategies for Avoiding Layoffs

Jackson insists, however, that due to retirements and reshuffling, no one has been laid off. The positions cut were funded by ESSER dollars, and with the loss of that funding, they are focusing on providing the necessary support to students moving forward.

“We’ve handed out no ‘pink slips’ in our school system, so that’s something we’re very, very proud of,” claimed Jackson.

Using a similar strategy, Asheville City schools have also managed to avoid layoffs despite a budget shortfall of approximately $5.7 million in the coming budget year. Asheville City Schools superintendent, Dr. Maggie Ferhman, said that costs were cut at the central office, and the $1.2 million saved allowed them to avoid issuing layoff notices.

Economic Strain on Schools Continues

Unfortunately, an overall drop in student enrollment adds another layer of financial strain to the school systems. Over the past three years, there has been a noticeable decrease in attendance in both districts. Buncombe County Schools has seen a slight decline, while Asheville City Schools suffered a steeper drop, falling to less than 4,000 students last year.

Yet despite these challenges, both school district leaders pledge to continue prioritizing the students’ welfare. Jackson reassures that “most parents, most families, they won’t see a difference. It will feel like we are continuing forward, and that’s what should happen…that’s our commitment to make sure we are serving our students.”

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