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Gaston County teachers ask board for financial records and FEMA-insurance details amid bargaining

Gaston County Schools Board of Education · December 16, 2025
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Summary

A teacher-union leader asked the Gaston County Schools board whether a reported 3% fund balance and roughly $12 million in FEMA/insurance money from Hurricane Michael are available as bargaining continues; the board said it will provide the requested financial documents but gave no immediate confirmation.

Judith Mandela, president of the Gaston County Classroom Teachers Association, told the Gaston County Schools board at its Dec. 16 meeting that bargaining requires clear financial records and asked whether funds tied to Hurricane Michael's insurance and FEMA payments are accessible to cover repairs and ease pressure on the general fund.

"So my question is, did we did you find out whether or not those funds are available, are accessible?" Mandela asked, adding that the fund balance for 2024-25 she saw was "3%." She said knowing the district's financial position is essential to "determine whether or not you can afford it" in contract talks.

Board members did not provide an immediate answer. The chair said he was not prepared to respond on the spot and asked to consult the finance director and superintendent, adding, "Allow me to to get back with you on that if you will, please." Superintendent staff later confirmed some banking-account information had been shared with union representatives but that Mandela's specific questions about FEMA funds and the annual financial report remained unresolved in the public meeting record.

Miss Hannigan, a board member, said the board's collective bargaining committee includes the finance director, the board attorney and human-resources staff and that the committee has requested the same documents Mandela described. She urged that bargaining-related data requests be handled by that committee and, where appropriate, in executive session so negotiations are not conducted in open board meetings.

The district did not confirm in the meeting whether the approximately $12,000,000 referenced by the union in connection with Hurricane Michael-related insurance or FEMA payments is fully available for the repairs Mandela mentioned. The chair committed to providing the requested documentation to the union and board members at a later date.

No formal action on the request was taken at the meeting. The exchange concluded with the board promising to follow up; Mandela and board members said financial transparency is a necessary part of good-faith bargaining going forward.