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Board previews 2025‑26 recommended budget, asks county for $8 million; approves modest board stipend increase
Summary
Superintendent and staff presented the recommended FY2025‑26 operating budget, including an $8 million county request to cover raises, inflation and priorities; the board also voted 7–0 to adopt staff’s recommended increase to board stipends.
New Hanover County Schools staff presented the recommended 2025‑26 operating budget and told the board they will request $8 million from the county to cover personnel investments, inflation and superintendent priorities.
Chief budget staff said projected enrollment declines will reduce state revenue by roughly $1.8 million and that the district plans to request $8 million from the county to cover raises, inflation costs and five superintendent budget priorities totaling approximately $5 million. The presentation noted an anticipated $3.4 million in other revenue changes (including FEMA reimbursement and an easement payment related to a right‑of‑way acquisition) and adjustments to school instructional allotments.
Superintendent Ashley Sutton and finance staff outlined key elements: a proposed 3% raise pool, targeted additions for special education and pre‑K services, and school safety investments and individualized instruction initiatives the superintendent prioritized. Staff said they will present a draft letter to the county commissioners and will provide it to the board prior to formal submission.
On a separate, board governance item the board voted unanimously 7–0 to adopt the staff recommendation to increase board stipends. The change was budgeted and staff identified $22,200 of internal board budget adjustments to offset part of the cost; the net additional request to the county would be $7,942 under the recommended scenario.
Board members praised the budget process for stakeholder engagement and noted coordination with county staff ahead of the commissioners’ review. Staff said capital priorities will be submitted as priority‑1 items and that the board will get a draft county letter and final budget request at the upcoming full board meeting.
No final appropriation or county commitment was made during the session; the presentation was a formal recommendation and initial request to county commissioners.
