Haywood County Schools board adopts superintendent-recommended 2025–26 budget and approves multiple capital, policy and program measures

The Haywood County Board of Education approved the superintendent’s recommended 2025–26 budget (packages A and B) and a series of related spending, policy and operational items at its regular May meeting.

The board voted to adopt the budget that the superintendent recommended after a budget work session. The superintendent presented three budget packages to the board (A, B and C) and recommended adoption of A plus B; the board approved that recommendation in a roll-call vote. Board members asked that staff proceed with implementation plans already in motion if the combined budget passed.

Why it matters: the package adopted sets district spending priorities for the coming school year, funds summer projects and construction work, and authorizes the district to seek county reimbursement for consultant work tied to a proposed new high school.

Major votes and motions

- 2025–26 operating budget: the board adopted the superintendent’s recommendation (A + B). The superintendent told the board that A was already implemented and B would add further items; the board approved the motion and staff said implementation would begin immediately.

- 2025–26 federal budget resolution: the board approved a resolution directing that the district’s federal project funds (including Every Student Succeeds Act projects, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act grants, Carl Perkins vocational funds and other federal grants) be included in the county appropriation request.

- GEAR UP reclassification: the board approved reclassifying restricted GEAR UP funds from 2020–2024 totaling $285,009.16 into an undesignated fund balance.

- Budget amendments: the board approved detailed general school purpose fund amendments and central cafeteria fund amendments. Amendments moved money between line items to allow spending of awarded grants and to cover operational needs; among them was a $650,000 contribution recorded for playground equipment that will be used for repairs and capital projects.

Operational approvals and contracts

- Due diligence for proposed new high school: the board reviewed recommended consultant selections for site-related studies and authorized the district’s consultant (Southern Educational Strategies) to start work pending any concerns. Recommended firms named by the consultant included David Evans (topographic survey), UES Solutions (geotechnical), Tioga (environmental analysis), Kimberly Horn (traffic study), and Renaissance Civil Engineering Group (hydrology). Per the memorandum of understanding with the county, the county will reimburse the district for these study costs. Staff said some work could begin as early as late May depending on weather.

- Purchase of serving lines: the nutrition department requested and the board approved accepting bids to buy two new serving lines for Anderson Early Childhood Center from Federal Equipment Dealers for $44,942.45.

- Haywood High volleyball travel:…