Caswell County school board approves budget amendment after debate over unbudgeted security and maintenance costs
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Summary
The Caswell County Board of Education approved Budget Amendment No. 5 to realign capital outlay funds without drawing on fund balance. The vote was 5–1 after board members pressed staff about security camera upgrades, a gym assessment invoice and other repairs that were paid before the board authorized line-item transfers.
The Caswell County Board of Education voted 5–1 to approve Budget Amendment No. 5, a realignment of capital outlay funds that officials said does not use fund balance.
Board members debated whether work on security systems, a gym assessment invoice and other maintenance items proceeded without prior board-approved line-item transfers. Several trustees said invoices had been paid before the board authorized the moves and asked staff to ensure future purchases follow board policy.
The amendment was presented as a housekeeping measure to reflect capital spending that occurred during the fiscal year. District staff said the changes are intended to align the budget as the district completes its close-out process. Superintendent Mr. Stokes told the board that some projects were “already in play prior to my appointment” and that staff would improve communication going forward.
Board members pressed staff for specifics. The discussion cited roughly $54,000 moved into safety-related line items and a $24,000 invoice tied to a gym assessment that had been approved in a prior fiscal year but billed in the current year. The district finance staff confirmed some security camera and related upgrades, plus replacement of a cyber power unit, were among the items driving the transfers.
Several trustees emphasized policy constraints. One board member reminded colleagues that the superintendent’s $10,000 spending threshold applies only to items already budgeted in a line item and said, “nobody has the authority to move money from this line to this line without board approval.” District staff acknowledged the concern and said they would follow board direction on approvals and communication.
After discussion, the board approved the amendment 5–1. The dissenting vote was recorded but not named in the public remarks. The board did not specify additional holdbacks or rescissions; the item passed as presented.
Board members directed staff to provide clearer advance notices of out-of-budget repairs or purchases and to ensure future expenditures comply with board-approved line items.
