Halifax County Public Schools previews 2025 budget, warns state proposals could reduce program funding

Halifax County Public Schools staff presented a projected budget and schedule to the school board on Thursday, outlining how the governor's proposed budget, the House and Senate crossover proposals and local enrollment figures will shape the division's final submission to the county by Feb. 27, 2025.

The presentation, led by school staff members Miss Moore and Dr. Buckley, flagged a projected 3% compensation increase in the governor's proposal but said only about 1% of that increase is funded at the state level; the division would have to find roughly $1.2 million or more locally to cover the remainder if the board decides to grant the full increase.

Why it matters: the division's primary operating revenue is driven by the state formula and average daily membership (ADM). Staff said ADM trends and the state's composite index affect how much the state pays and how much the locality must match, so differences among the governor, House and Senate budgets could change program funding and local obligations.

Key details from the presentation

- Compensation and benefits: Staff said the governor's proposal includes a 3% raise for SOQ-funded positions but funds only about 1% of that, leaving the division responsible for the balance (staff estimated the total compensation-and-benefits gap as "just under $2 million" in the presentation). Dr. Buckley said that if the division does not provide the increase, the unspent state…