Winston‑Salem/Forsyth County Schools asks county for $8.5 million in reallocation and new funds as officials outline shortfall and Article 46 issues

Winston‑Salem/Forsyth County Schools interim Superintendent Dr. Caddy Moore told the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 11 that the district will request two budget actions at the board’s Aug. 14 meeting: a $3,800,000 reallocation of unspent capital outlay funds and an additional $4,700,000 in county funding to address the district’s fiscal‑year 2025 budget shortfall.

Why it matters: The district said the combined proposal draws on project savings and other available funds to reduce an operating shortfall that state actions and timing have increased. Commissioners and the district discussed multiple revenue and liability questions, including an outstanding balance owed to the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) and unresolved vendor debts.

Shortfall, state billing and appeal process - Dr. Moore told commissioners that the district’s estimated shortfall billed by DPI has declined from prior estimates and that the most recent DPI correspondence placed the amount owed at $11.3 million. Moore said DPI will begin charging 1% interest per month on any balance remaining after Sept. 20, and she described a formal appeal path: the district’s board chair can request a hearing before a State Board‑appointed panel, which will recommend action to the full State Board of Education. - Commissioners asked whether the…