Iredell-Statesville board approves $3M in reductions; virtual academy program cut as part of package

The Iredell-Statesville Schools Board of Education voted 6-0 April 14 to approve a package of budget reductions and amendments administrators said are necessary to close a projected shortfall.

School leaders said the package, assembled after months of planning, reduces central-office and program spending, scales back supply allocations and eliminates the district's Virtual Academy in its current form. The board approved the cuts after a presentation from Superintendent Jeff James, Chief Financial staff and other administrators.

Administrators framed the reductions as an effort to preserve classroom services while balancing the district's budget. Adam Steele, the district's finance official, told the board, "Currently, we have just a little bit over $9,000,000 in fund balance." He said that after the approved actions the fund balance would fall to about $7.5 million if the reductions are implemented as proposed.

Why it matters: district leaders said the reductions respond to lower projected revenue growth and ongoing state-level pressure on school funding. Superintendent Jeff James and other speakers argued that state funding formulas and policy choices outside the district's control make local budgeting more difficult, particularly for programs that serve high-need students.

What the board approved: the packet approved April 14 includes multiple line-item reductions and program changes. Administrators and board members described the most consequential items as:

- Ending the Virtual Academy "as it stands today" while maintaining some virtual learning options and tutoring supports at Katz Technical Training Center and within school-level programs. Tim Rogers and other staff were cited as points of contact to explore alternative virtual offerings. - Reductions in central-office spending totaling more than $2 million, according to district administrators. - Lowered per-student supply allotments and smaller discretionary allocations for schools. - Changes to certain district-run childcare/daycare services that will reduce or eliminate subsidies the district had provided.

Administrators said they have reviewed options for families affected by the Virtual Academy change: participating in Katz's homeschool/virtual partnership programs, returning to neighborhood schools, or using other district tutoring options. Board members asked administrators to provide a clearer written notice to families about those alternatives.

Board discussion and public comment: during public comment, multiple families urged the board to preserve the Virtual Academy. A parent, Nitin Surendran, said the academy was a "lifeline" for students with medical or mental-health needs and urged the board to reconsider the program cut. Board members acknowledged the public comments and asked district staff to meet with affected families and the Virtual Academy principal before the end of the school year.

Process and next steps: the motion to adopt the reductions passed 6-0. The board will have additional budget amendments in May and June as state and county revenue figures change; administrators cautioned that further adjustments are possible if legislative actions at the state level alter funding for teacher salaries or other mandates.

Ending note: board members and staff repeatedly described the cuts as difficult and expressed concern about impacts on families and on the district's ability to deliver services to high-need students. Several members urged continued outreach with parents and partner agencies as implementation plans are finalized.