Moore County Schools present $165.8 million preliminary budget; district expects modest growth, a 2% salary assumption and a new Innovative High School

Moore County Schools Superintendent Dr. Tim Locklear and assistant superintendent for budget and finance Tina Edmonds presented the school system’s preliminary FY2025–26 budget to the Moore County Board of Commissioners.

Locklear opened by citing district performance and priorities, telling commissioners the budget reflects a “vision” and “mission” focused on student success and program continuity. He said the district serves “over 14,000 students that attend public school from the County Of Moore” and noted steady enrollment growth of roughly 70 students year‑over‑year.

Edmonds walked commissioners through the funding assumptions and the local funding formula. She said the district used a prudent 2% state salary increase assumption based on long‑range averages, and projected local revenue increases (Edmonds noted a county projection increase of $1,255,424 versus an internal projection of $1,146,138). Taken together with fund balance appropriations and projected expenses, Edmonds presented an all‑funds total for the preliminary budget of $165,806,080.

The presentation laid out the district’s major cost drivers: a projected increase of roughly $1.1 million in fixed costs (salaries, retirement, health insurance and non‑payroll inflation), an expansion request of about $90,000 to unfreeze one curriculum specialist position, and $570,000 in identified budget efficiencies. Edmonds said the district plans to rely on a mix of county funding, state allocations and a modest use of carryover fund balance to manage those increases.

Commissioners pressed district leaders on several details. One asked whether the federal title funds (Title I–IV) could be counted on in light of federal funding uncertainties; Locklear said the district expects traditional title funding levels to continue but is monitoring changes to how federal monies may be delivered. Another commissioner asked about administrative overhead for the new Innovative High School; Locklear said the current Senate budget proposes about $170,000 to support administrative positions tied to the cooperative innovative high school model and that classroom staffing for the 70‑student program is expected to come from normal allotment processes (he estimated four teachers initially).

Board members and public commenters also raised questions about transportation for vocational students who will attend courses off traditional campuses. Locklear said the district plans community pickup stops and is designing routes to reduce late arrivals and student burden.

What happens next: the presentation was received; commissioners will consider the county’s budget and funding formula in upcoming meetings. The Moore County Schools will continue refining the budget as state and county figures become final.