Winston‑Salem/Forsyth board hears $46.1 million deficit update, votes to send formal request to legislators

Interim Superintendent Cady Moore told the Winston‑Salem Forsyth County Schools Board of Education on July 29 that the district’s fiscal year 2024–25 budget shortfall stands at $46.1 million and described late invoices, federal carryover reductions and requests to local and state officials to address the gap. "Our overall budget deficit at this point is now at 46.1," Moore said during the meeting.

Why it matters: the board is accountable for district oversight but is not a taxing authority; school operations depend on county, state and federal allocations. A larger‑than‑expected prior‑year deficit affects staffing, transportation and program continuity for the coming school year and has prompted the district to seek one‑time relief and policy waivers from state authorities.

Moore said the figure rose after invoices arrived in late May and June and that the district is reserving about $2 million for vendor invoices that arrive after June 30, a standard accounting practice she described as "month 13." She told the board that three large vendor payments still due total about $16.1 million and…