Interim superintendent: Winston‑Salem/Forsyth Schools face roughly $37 million deficit; state repayment plan requested

Interim Superintendent Catty Moore told the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 25 that Winston‑Salem/Forsyth Schools are contending with a fiscal 2024–25 deficit now estimated at about $37,000,000 and are working on a repayment plan the State Board of Education has asked the district to present in Raleigh on Nov. 4. Moore said the state will begin charging interest on the district loan at 0.4% as of Oct. 1 and requested a repayment plan to begin by January 2026.

Moore said the district is addressing two linked problems: the outstanding deficit from 2024–25 and balancing the 2025–26 budget to avoid a repeat. She summarized the district’s current financial steps and shortfalls: “We have 2 issues. 1 issue is the fiscal deficit from 24‑25. That is now currently estimated at around $37,000,000,” and later identified specific vendor and liability amounts she said remain owed, including the district’s payment to the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) of…