Granville County Schools request $376K for staff support amid enrollment decline

During the Granville County Public Schools Board of Education meeting held on March 3, 2025, key discussions centered around the district's budget, funding sources, and enrollment trends, highlighting significant challenges and opportunities for the upcoming fiscal year.

The meeting opened with a detailed analysis of the district's operating budget, which totals over $88 million. Notably, state and federal funds comprise approximately 73% of this budget, with local funds contributing around 27%. The reliance on state funding, which constitutes more than half of the budget, raises concerns as the district anticipates a decrease in federal COVID-related funding, which ended in September 2024. This shift will necessitate careful budget planning as the district prepares for potential losses in both funding and staffing, with an expected reduction of about 12 positions due to a decline in student enrollment.

Enrollment figures have shown a concerning trend, with a 5% decrease over the past three years, including a loss of 190 students in the last year alone. This decline is significant as funding follows students, meaning that fewer students could lead to reduced financial support from the county. Currently, Granville County Schools serves 8,511 students, with 26% enrolled in charter schools. The board emphasized the importance of maintaining adequate funding per pupil, especially as the county's per pupil appropriation has been increasing over time.

The board also discussed future funding requests, which include a continuation request of $376,006 to cover salary and benefit increases, as well as a capital outlay request of $3.25 million for infrastructure improvements. The district aims to enhance safety by increasing the number of school resource officers to 12, with two assigned to each high school. Additionally, there is a contingency plan for potential expansion funding, which could reach $777,000 if state supplemental funding is lost.

As the meeting concluded, the board expressed gratitude for the county's ongoing support and acknowledged the need for strategic planning in light of the changing financial landscape. The anticipated release of planning allotments by mid-March will provide further clarity on the district's funding situation, allowing for more informed decision-making as they navigate these challenges. The board's proactive approach underscores their commitment to ensuring that Granville County Schools can continue to provide quality education despite the uncertainties ahead.