Lincoln County Schools previews 2025–26 budget, schedules June 26 special-called meeting to approve
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Summary
District staff presented a proposed 2025–26 budget that includes a new savings line and contingency items tied to Article 46 sales-tax proceeds; board set a special-called meeting for June 26 to vote on the budget and personnel items.
The Lincoln County Schools Board of Education heard a presentation on the proposed 2025–26 budget and agreed to a special-called meeting at 9 a.m. on June 26 to vote on final budget adoption, personnel recommendations and an interim budget resolution.
Why it matters: The district said the proposed budget adds a dedicated savings line to increase the fund balance and includes contingencies that depend on potential county Article 46 quarter-cent sales-tax proceeds. The timing and size of those county funds could change what the board ultimately approves.
District leaders framed the budget talk around recent enrollment and county-growth projections. Superintendent Dr. Allen told the board the district is growing and emphasized a team message: “our hashtag this year is we are Lincoln.” He noted the system now operates 23 schools and is planning for additional staff and facilities needs as enrollment rises.
Staff told the board they revised their work since last week’s work session after receiving updated information from the county, and that the proposal in the board packet reflects changes in the current-expense, capital and Article 46 proposed budgets. Staff said an ordered list of capital, maintenance and technology projects would be used only if the district receives additional Article 46 funds from the county.
The packet also includes a new, dedicated line to increase the fund balance; staff characterized that as a change from past practice when year-end funds were reallocated across operating areas. The board was told personnel recommendations and any budget amendments would be presented for final approval at the June 26 special-called meeting.
At one point the meeting moved into closed session under North Carolina law; the board returned to open session and stated no action was taken in closed session.
Next steps: The board will consider final approval of the 2025–26 budget, personnel items and an interim budget resolution at the special-called meeting on June 26. The district also noted a summer schedule change: the board will skip July and hold a work session in August and a regular meeting on Aug. 12.
