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Burke County schools report midyear finances as county frees decades‑old restricted capital funds
Summary
Burke County Public Schools reported midyear revenues above projections and the end of a decades‑old restriction on a county sales‑tax capital fund, a change county officials say shifts $4 million-plus toward operating needs after special legislation and litigation long limited local flexibility.
Burke County Public Schools presented midyear financial results to the Burke County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, and school and county officials described stronger‑than‑expected revenues, the expiration of COVID relief funds and a recent local legislative change that freed previously restricted capital sales‑tax dollars for broader use.
The midyear report, delivered by Keith Lawson, finance officer for Burke County Public Schools, showed state revenues up about 4.5 percent year‑over‑year and federal revenues down roughly 57 percent because one‑time federal COVID relief (ESSER) funds have expired. Special revenue lines — including Medicaid support for exceptional children and a renewed GEAR UP grant channeled through Appalachian State University — were substantially higher than a year ago.
Lawson said the district’s midyear use of fund…
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