Davidson County Schools propose $1M local supplement increase for 2025 budget

During the Davidson County Commissioners meeting on March 6, 2025, a significant focus was placed on the local education budget, particularly regarding the funding of local supplements for teachers. The discussion highlighted the need for increased financial support for Davidson County Schools (DCS) to remain competitive with neighboring districts.

Commissioners reviewed the current local supplement rate of 6.125%, which has not changed since 2006. The goal is to raise this to 8% to align with the supplements offered by nearby counties, Davie and Rowan. The proposed increase would require an additional investment of approximately $1.7 million over three years, with options for phased implementation being discussed. The urgency of this funding stems from the need to attract and retain qualified educators in the face of rising costs and competition from other districts.

The meeting also addressed the overall education budget, which is projected to increase by about $300,000 from the previous year, bringing total funding for the three school districts to approximately $1.3 million. This increase is in line with property tax growth, which is expected to rise by 4%. However, the allocation of these funds is complex, as it must be divided among the three school systems, which could impact the amount available for DCS.

Additionally, the commissioners discussed the importance of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with DCS to clarify funding responsibilities and ensure that both the county and the school district contribute to the local supplement. DCS currently has a fund balance of approximately $8.8 million, which could be utilized to support the proposed increases, but the district's leadership expressed caution about relying too heavily on these reserves.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to enhancing educational funding, with a clear recognition that investing in local supplements is crucial for maintaining a strong teaching workforce. As discussions continue, the commissioners aim to balance fiscal responsibility with the pressing need for quality education in Davidson County.