Robeson schools present 2025–26 planning budget; $3 million fund balance needed to balance continuation budget
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Summary
District staff presented the 2025–26 planning budget showing assumptions about ADM declines, state allotments and rising benefit costs. The plan is a continuation budget that requires a $3 million use of fund balance to balance under current assumptions; officials flagged uncertainties tied to the general assembly and federal allotments.
The Public Schools of Robeson County finance committee reviewed the district’s 2025–26 planning budget and state planning allotments, and staff said the draft is a continuation budget that would require $3 million from fund balance to balance under current assumptions.
Key planning assumptions: Erica, a district staff member, told the committee the state implemented a 3% increase for classified employees in the current year, the retirement match dipped slightly from 25.2% to 24.04% and hospitalization costs rose from about $7,005.57 per person to $8,095 per person. The district reported an ADM (average daily membership) decline of 27 students in the current year and is planning for another projected ADM decrease of 52 students in 2025–26.
State allotments and funding specifics: Erica said planning allotments can change when the General Assembly finalizes the state budget. She said the district is using an ADM projection of 20,003.89 for 2025–26 and expects a $3.6 million increase in the low-wealth allotment for the district based on the state’s low-wealth formula. The district noted textbooks and digital resources (PRC 131) are restricted and carry over indefinitely, while most state allotments revert on June 30 unless otherwise specified.
Capital and cash-flow notes: Staff warned that capital projects tied to needs-based lottery funds and ESSER reimbursements have created timing and cash-flow stresses. The district said it is coordinating requests to the county to draw down lottery money and is tracking outstanding invoices tied to construction and equipment vendors.
Budget posture and next steps: Erica described the planned budget as a status-quo continuation, not an expansion. "This is a continuation budget. This is not an expansion budget," she said. Staff said they will submit a detailed final budget once the state and federal allotments are finalized and will update the board at the regular meeting.
Action recorded: The committee moved and approved the 2025–26 planning budget at the meeting by voice vote; the chair announced the motion passed.
Discussion vs. decision: The committee debated staffing allotments, restricted nature of certain funding lines, capital timing and the need for board outreach to county commissioners about local funding levels.
