Haywood County school board approves 2025-26 budget, E‑Rate application and a package of facility and safety contracts

The Haywood County Schools Board of Education unanimously approved the superintendent’s proposed 2025‑26 budget and a set of related funding and contract measures during its regular meeting.

Dr. Putnam, the district superintendent, asked the board to approve the 2025‑26 proposed budget. “So at this time, I would ask, for your approval of the, 2526 superintendent's proposed budget,” he said. The motion to adopt the budget passed with a unanimous vote.

The board also approved a request to apply for up to $498,000 in federal E‑Rate Category 2 funding for internal connections — wireless access points, switches and cabling — and authorized submission of FCC Form 471 and a letter of intent to a vendor chosen through the state RFP/mini‑bid process. “Tonight, I bring for your approval a request to apply for up to 498,000 in federal e rate funding for category 2 services,” said the staff member presenting the request. The district noted the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction conducted a centralized RFP on behalf of districts and that the state will reimburse the usual local 20% match for this cycle, making local expenditures unnecessary.

On facilities and school safety, the board approved three…