School Board requests $16.5M budget for operations and safety systems

The Transylvania County Schools Board convened on April 21, 2025, to discuss critical operational and safety funding needs, as well as student enrollment trends. The meeting began with a review of the proposed budget, which totals approximately $16.5 million for capital and operational expenses. This figure includes $14.9 million for operational costs and $1.3 million for capital outlay, which covers essential daily maintenance needs.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on the need for a new visitor management system, which would enhance school safety by scanning visitors' driver's licenses and providing them with badges for restricted access. The board emphasized the importance of this system, noting that it is a sole-source product, meaning it does not require a bidding process. The estimated cost for this safety system is $432,000, which the board plans to fund using lottery funds rather than requesting additional money from the county.

The board also addressed the need for a $100,000 allocation for turf replacement, proposing to save this amount in a designated fund to avoid future large requests from the county. No new positions are being requested for the upcoming year, with the board indicating that they can manage current staffing levels through internal adjustments.

A notable concern raised during the meeting was the recent decline in student enrollment, with a loss of 59 students. Board members discussed the importance of understanding the reasons behind this trend, including potential transfers to other districts or alternative education options. They highlighted the need for the district to differentiate itself and enhance its offerings to attract and retain students.

The meeting concluded with a motion to approve the budget and funding requests, which passed unanimously. The board acknowledged the importance of ongoing discussions about student retention and the need for strategic planning to address enrollment challenges moving forward. Public comments were invited at the end of the meeting, signaling an openness to community input on these pressing issues.