Latest news with #CabarrusCountySchools
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cabarrus County considers $342M school funding request
CONCORD, N.C. () – Cabarrus County Commissioners are considering a funding request from Cabarrus County Schools to increase the district's budget by more than $90 million. The total ask is $341,813,999 for the upcoming fiscal year. The superintendent's Proposed 2025-2026 Local Budget was adopted by school board members Monday evening. Commissioners heard the proposal on Tuesday. Financial planners are currently working to reduce an $11 million shortfall for the current budget due to unexpected expenses and funding sources falling through. The district's chief financial officer, Phillip Penn, said they have already reduced the difference to $8.6, and he feels confident they can close the gap by next year. District leaders cite lost revenue as the major contributor to the budget shortfall. They predict the district will lose more than $1.5 million from a reduction in Medicaid reimbursements. In total, experts anticipate CCS will have $2.8 million in income in the 2025-2026 school year. Officials and parents are concerned about the district's ability to serve students with disabilities with the Exceptional Children's program. District leaders say the cost of providing specialty services and the number of students who need them continue to increase. Data shows there are an estimated 4,455 students in EC programs, a 17% increase from 2020. Federal funding decreased for the services in 2024, and temporary ESSER funds ran out. The historically underfunded EC services were short by more than $9.8 million for the past year. Parents have also raised concerns about the proposed elimination of 60 positions. The move would save approximately $3 million, according to Penn. Commissioners will vote on the request later this spring. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
NC lawmakers are rushing a bill that will increase energy rates. We need to stop them
The N.C. Senate rushed through SB261, the Energy Security and Affordability Act. The bill would allow unchecked rate hikes outside of the usual regulatory process. It would also eliminate our bipartisan law to reduce our state's carbon emissions, gutting a commitment to fighting climate change, which attributed to the unprecedented devastation of our mountain towns and destruction of coastal homes. To reduce transparency and public feedback, lawmakers are rushing SB261 through the N.C. House. Contact your state representative to vote no. Mark Taylor, Charlotte I found the Mar. 24 article 'Cabarrus County Schools lack $3 million for special needs program' thought-provoking, particularly the irony and ideological perspective presented. The opening discusses the ongoing years of frustrations and funding shortages facing special education programs, then transitions into a critique of the president's goal to dismantle the federal education department, suggesting it will exacerbate the issue. Reorganizing the funding for education could actually be beneficial. At least, based on observations and interviews, it certainly would not hurt to explore other options, right? Mike Howard, Marvin Columnist Andrew Dunn took a potshot at Gov. Josh Stein after the State of the State address, saying Stein needs to be honest in discussion of prioritizing tax cuts above investments in public education. Dunn applauds the state GOP for increasing public education funding 'for over a decade.' Odd statement. After winning a legislative majority in 2010, Republicans eviscerated public education. Funding has increased, though at levels insufficient to recapture the good schools we had. Meanwhile, Republicans hungrily await their friendly state Supreme Court tossing the 35-year-old Leandro public education funding decision. It's Dunn who needs to be honest. Harry Taylor, Charlotte Blessings and thanks to the Templeton family for their donation to a trust of 42 acres of land on Lake Norman. Preservation of our historic forests will be a testament to this family's generosity and foresight for generations. I hope their gift will be an example to others to preserve our forests while we can! Laurie Carter, Matthews The Trump administration has touted the return of free speech. There are some notable exceptions. The Associated Press was banned from White House events because they use 'The Gulf of Mexico.' Trump has spoken about revoking licenses for media outlets that don't provide pro-Trump coverage. Military records that contain words relating to minorities and women have been flagged for deletion. Trump has threatened federal funding for universities that allow protests he doesn't care for. So free speech, as long as Trump approves of the content. Arnie Grieves, Huntersville As a minister with relationships with poor people, I am alarmed that our legislators are considering cuts to Medicaid. One woman who is insulin dependent and another with serious heart trouble are both part of our care circle. I urge your readers to let our Congress members know about Medicaid's lifesaving power. Our rural hospitals are barely hanging on. Cuts will hurt poor people and rural hospitals. Pat Jobe, Forest City State lawmakers are considering a reckless bill that would allow anyone to carry a firearm without mandatory training. Removing the requirement for a safety course makes communities less safe and increases the risk of accidental shootings. Just as drivers must pass a test, those carrying guns should require basic safety knowledge. Supporters cite the Second Amendment, but rights come with responsibilities. The government regulates driving and heavy machinery — why should firearms be different? This bill ignores law enforcement professionals who support training requirements. Police already face daily dangers. Untrained, armed individuals make their jobs even riskier. Law-abiding gun owners should have no issue completing a simple safety course. If we value responsible gun ownership, we must demand legislators reject SB50 before it leads to tragedy. Thomas Uhl, Mooresville I was planning to buy a car this year. Not now. With Trump's new 25% tariffs, I won't spend thousands more for that same car. Talk about inflation. Maybe billionaires don't mind. Maybe Trump feels richer now. I sure don't. On top of everything else, the Trump administration is a total clown show. Our country's security, health benefits, Social Security and more are all going down the tubes. Joseph Halpin, Fort Mill
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cabarrus County Schools discusses '25-'26 budget amid current funding shortfall
CONCORD, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – The budgeting committee for Cabarrus County Schools is scheduled to meet Thursday to discuss current financial shortfalls and review a proposed budget for the upcoming year. Chief Financial Officer Phillip Penn said the district's financial situation has improved since they announced a $11 million deficit at the beginning of the year. Cabarrus County Schools request funding for new roof amid budget woes In a letter to Superintendent Dr. John Kopicki, Penn stated officials found nearly $4.4 million in savings. Penn said he believes its possible to close the remaining gap by the end of June. The Budget Finance Committee will review the Superintendent's Proposed 2025-2026 Local Budget. The plan details current funding levels and anticipated needs for salaries, non-personnel expenses and Capital Improvement Projects for individual schools. Members will also discuss shortcomings of anticipated revenue, such as reselling of 'used Apple products.' Penn's memo to Dr. Kopicki states the district received $138,000 less than anticipated. Parents said they're concerned about what cuts may come from special education classes, or the Exceptional Child program. Of the $11 million gap, roughly $3 million is related to EC programs. Parents concerned about $3M special-needs funding as Cabarrus County Schools addresses $11M budget deficit Thursday's committee work session begins at 6 p.m. at the Cabarrus County Schools Education Center. Board of education members will hear the proposed budget Monday, March 31. The board will hold a public hearing on the budget April 7. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Parents concerned about $3M special-needs funding as Cabarrus County Schools addresses $11M budget deficit
CONCORD, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Cabarrus County Schools just released its latest plan to cut an $11 million budget deficit with more than $3 million of that for children with special needs. The district is limiting hiring, they've talked with state lawmakers and could also ask for help from the county, but the father of a special needs student worries it won't be enough. Former Cabarrus County manager suing over contract after being fired, claiming he's owed nearly $500,000 Sloane Cerulo keeps on pedaling in a video her father shared of her in the cycling event at the Special Olympics. 'Sloane is a bundle of energy, always on the go, her neighbor friends have named her Sonic the Hedgehog,' said Rob Cerulo, Sloane's father. The 10-year-old is in the Exceptional Children's program in Cabarrus County Schools. Rob says Sloane and her classmates have gone through instability lately. 'Sloane was without a teacher for weeks into her fifth-grade year,' said Rob Cerulo. He says he noticed that the uncertainty was having an impact on Sloane. 'Transition's always tough for a child with behavioral disorders and autism,' said Cerulo. 'I think that's something that doesn't get shared enough from an awareness standpoint.' Cabarrus County Schools are working to make up for the multi-million-dollar deficit. 'While I like to think that people act in the best interest, if you don't have money, there's only so much you can do,' said Cerulo. School officials have pledged to make sure children with special needs don't get left out. 'Way to go Sloanie, keep going, pedal faster, pedal faster,' her dad says in the video from Special Olympics. They're hoping to help students like Sloane cross the finish line. 'Nothing is more important than making sure every child has a fair chance,' said Cerulo. In addition to the $3.3 million over budget for the children with special-needs programs, the shortfall also includes $3.6 million for a salary study that was higher than expected, $3.2 million for the state allotment process, along with a school resource officer grant, Medicaid and other various deficits. Questions over county manager appointment lead to fiery discussion at Cabarrus meeting On Thursday, there's a Board of Education budget committee meeting at 6 p.m. at the district headquarters on Old Airport Road in Concord. Cabarrus County Schools Superintendent Dr. John Kopicki released the following statement to Queen City News on the funding for children with special needs amid the budget deficit: 'As we continue to work through the budget challenges for the 2024-25 school year, we can confidently assure all our parents that all 35,000+ students in our district will continue to receive an outstanding education in our school district,' he said. 'Our goal remains to provide access, resources and opportunities to all our students. All our parents should clearly understand that we will continue to provide the services and outstanding education that families have come to expect.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cabarrus County Schools request funding for new roof amid budget woes
CABARRUS COUNTY, N.C. () – The Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to vote Monday evening on a motion to grant Cabarrus County Schools with funds for a roof replacement at Central Cabarrus High School. CCS is requesting $398,191 from the Public School Building and Renovation Fund, supported by lottery revenue. District Chief Financial Officer Philip Penn told commissioners leaks in the roof have caused thousands of dollars in damages to security systems, electrical components, and ceiling tiles. CCS officials said the project can't be postponed. The total cost of the replacement is estimated at $2.6 million. District leaders budgeted $1.1 million for the project and reallocated funds from other projects, leaving $398,191 to close the gap. UNC makes NCAA Tournament as one of the last four teams in, draws San Diego State in play-in round Commissioners will meet at 6 p.m. on March 17 at the Governmental Center in Concord, N.C., Monday evening. The regular meeting comes as the school system is facing a $11 million deficit In a monthly financial summary, Penn explained salaries, legal fees and disability programs were more costly than expected while state and county funding did not keep up. CCS created a finance committee to find ways to reduce the deficit. Suggestions include 'aggressively limit hiring' and streamlining funding for Program Choice, which provides courses in STEM, foreign languages, and career training. Parents recently called on county commissioners to invest more in public education to help bridge the gaps. They said they don't want schools to lose offerings that draw families into the district, nor do they want to lose qualified teachers due to compensation shortfalls. 'Our teachers shouldn't have to work second and third jobs to make ends meet,' said parent Tim Taylor. 'Cabarrus County provides a 13% teacher supplement. Charlotte-Mecklenburg provides over 25%. I'm not asking for 25% for teachers. I think there are reasonable increases that can be made over a period of time. I applaud the incremental increases to teachers supplement over the past few years, but more must be done. You have the ability to further validate the hard work of our educators by implementing meaningful supplement increases.' The finance committee meets on the last Thursday of each month. Meetings are open to the public. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
