3 days ago
Rockingham County Schools could have budget cut
ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) — Proposed budget cuts could hit Rockingham County Schools in 2026.
Possible budget cuts on the local level for RCS could stem from a reduction in funding on the federal level, according to Superintendent Dr. John Stover III.
'We lost about $200,000 from migrant funding. We lost about $100,000 from our Title 1 funding and … $200,000 for professional development funding,' Stover said.
Stover said it's something he wants to avoid, but the decision ultimately falls on the school board.
An anticipated decline in enrollment wouldn't help.
'286 students less than projected, and so we are projected for approximately 10,900 students. Our budget is based on that,' Stover said.
To make up for the loss of funds, Stover said the school district has to save $2 million to $3 million over the next fiscal year.
He said he's looked at several options, including shrinking the school resource officer program through the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office.
'Which was basically one for every two schools. I actually talked to the sheriff, and he said he didn't think that was a good idea, and I told him … that's all I needed to hear, and that was off the table,' Stover said.
As of right now, Stover's proposed budget cuts for the 2025-2026 fiscal year include the following:
shortening the school year from 172 days to 168
cutting one unfilled counselor position
cuts to the central office
adjusting staff allotment
cutting the parent resource centers
Centers were launched as a Title 1 initiative, and Stover said they're currently run by three employees.
'We're one of the only counties in the state that still has that. It's an incredibly valuable program. We just weren't seeing enough traffic into those centers. Each center averaged five or less visitors a day,' Stover said.
The cuts aren't something parents like Sarah Guymon want hanging over their heads as the school year comes to a close.
'I feel like they struggle every year to have enough staff and enough teachers and assistant teachers and bus drivers. It's really concerning,' Guymon said.
Stover is looking to calm those concerns as summer break kicks off.
'None of these cuts I want to do. If we work together, and we have a conversation for what's best for our kids and our community, we can get through anything,' Stover said.
Stover said he will present the proposed cuts at the Rockingham County Board of Education meeting on Monday at 6 p.m.
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