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Cumberland County Schools committees approve budget amendments after board hears 1,242-student enrollment drop

Cumberland County Schools Board (committee meetings) · January 7, 2026
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Summary

Finance staff presented budget amendments and warned average daily membership fell 2.57% (1,242 students), reducing next year's state funding; the committee approved amendments and staff outlined how carryover grants and Fund 8 accounting will be handled pending the external auditor's report.

Cumberland County Schools finance staff presented several budget amendments to committee members and described how the district will reconcile state and federal allotments with actual receipts. The committee approved the amendments after staff said many changes reflect carryover grant balances that will be moved into Fund 8, the district's special revenue fund, once an external auditor finalizes last fiscal year's account balances.

Finance staff also reported that average daily membership (ADM) fell about 2.57 percent, a loss of roughly 1,242 students. Because the state funds districts in arrears, district leaders said this year's funding is based on last year's count; however, if students return next year growth funding could restore the dollars once head counts are certified by the General Assembly process. Staff said they will coordinate next year's allotment planning with district and state colleagues to align teacher positions and allotments to updated enrollment.

Committee members asked about the timing and implications of the state budget process and whether pay increases are affected. Staff said current-year funding is secure and that pay increases would hinge on the state budget; the presentation emphasized the primary fiscal impact of the enrollment decline would be on next year's allotments and staffing decisions.

A motion to approve the presented budget amendments was made by Miss Jones and seconded by Miss Bell; the committee carried the motion.