Asheville City Schools will apply state 'bump' despite no new state funding; district expects modest local cost

Heidi, the district finance lead, briefed the board on a recent state action that 'authorized' a pay‑step bump for qualifying certified employees but did not appropriate funding. "What they did provide money for was the increase in fringe benefit costs," Heidi said. "We were not funded, and not everyone will be able to see an increase in compensation at this time until they decide to pass either another mini bill or the actual budget."

Heidi explained the practical effect: the district will honor eligible step increases on the regular September payroll date and will process any retroactive adjustments later if the state ultimately provides allotments. She said many positions are in state position allotments — which will be funded under the formula — but some hourly and locally funded positions may not receive increases immediately. Board members asked whether principals and hourly staff would get the adjustment; Heidi said principals are generally scheduled for a January adjustment tied to current‑year data while many hourly staff are on local pay tables and may or may not see an increase.

Board members pressed for an estimate of local cash‑flow exposure if the state does not reimburse the district. Heidi estimated the district’s net out‑of‑pocket cost to be in the neighborhood of about $50,000, noting that exact numbers require further calculation and depend on final allotments. Trustees asked staff to report the district’s local share of any unreimbursed costs to assist advocacy with legislators.