Rockingham County Schools board approves proposed 2025-26 budget

The Rockingham County Schools Board of Education voted to approve the district's proposed 2025-26 budget during its March 31 work session.

Annie Ellis, a finance staff member for Rockingham County Schools, presented the budget to the board, saying, "We are requesting the board's approval of the 25-26 proposed budget." Ellis told the board the budget had been presented previously and that the district was still waiting for state planning allotments that were expected by the end of the day.

The board moved to approve the budget after committee review. Board members said the finance committee recommended proceeding so district leaders could begin staff-level conversations and planning. The administration will provide the proposed budget request to the county and continue work with the finance committee to identify possible reductions if state revenues come in lower than projected.

Ellis said the district had presented the same budget at prior meetings and that the delay in state allotments informed but did not prevent seeking approval now. The board approved the budget by voice vote; members present indicated unanimous support.

The approval authorizes district leaders to proceed with the budget as the basis for county submission and for staffing discussions. Administration and the finance committee will continue to track state allotments and shift specific line items if final revenues require adjustments.

Details the board discussed include the delay of NCDPI planning allotments and the finance committee's role in preparing the budget for county review. The administration said it would provide additional detail and potential cut lists to the board and county as revenue figures become clearer.