Randolph County School System proposes $2.2M budget for 2024

The Randolph County Board of Commissioners meeting on June 2, 2025, spotlighted critical budget discussions for the upcoming fiscal year, with a strong emphasis on the educational needs of the community. Superintendent Steven Ganey presented a detailed budget request totaling $2,215,299, primarily focusing on continuation costs and employee supplements.

Ganey highlighted the importance of securing continuation costs, which amount to $1,067,299, to avoid immediate budget cuts that could impact local schools. He expressed gratitude for the commissioners' historical support in this area, emphasizing that without these funds, the school system would face significant challenges. "If we don't get our continuation cost, we're headed for a budget cut right off the bat," he stated, underscoring the necessity of these funds for maintaining operational stability.

In addition to continuation costs, Ganey requested a 0.5% increase in employee supplements, amounting to $925,000. He noted that this approach reflects a commitment to gradual improvement rather than overwhelming requests, aiming to build a sustainable financial relationship with the county. "We're going to keep pushing for it because I know you're going to help us with that," he remarked, indicating a collaborative spirit between the school system and the commissioners.

Ganey also addressed the impact of charter schools on the district's finances, revealing that Randolph County has lost over $2 million to charter schools, which has strained resources. He thanked the commissioners for their understanding and support in bridging this financial gap.

On the capital outlay side, Ganey requested an additional $100,000 for facility upgrades, emphasizing the importance of maintaining school infrastructure. He noted that this request is part of a long-term plan that has seen consistent support from the county over the years.

The meeting also featured a presentation from Trillium Health Resources, which highlighted ongoing behavioral health services in the county. Regional Vice President Anthony Ward discussed the organization’s efforts to manage Medicaid services and the importance of local connections in providing care.

As the meeting concluded, the commissioners acknowledged the challenges ahead but reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the educational and health needs of Randolph County residents. The discussions set the stage for a collaborative approach to budgeting that prioritizes the well-being of students and the community at large.