Board declines to add FY26-27 budget discussion after debate over timing and $2.4 million in needed cuts

Mister Coopnik, a board member, moved to add discussion of the fiscal year 2026–27 budget to the Iredell‑Statesville Schools meeting agenda; the motion failed after members debated whether administration had adequate time to prepare and whether the board should weigh in before the county’s March budget process.

The superintendent, Dr. James, told the board 'we need to get to $2,400,000 in reductions' and said the administration will run the same reduction exercise with principals and assistant principals and provide an update in the Friday report. Dr. James said administration would then inform the board of recommended items.

Mister Coopnik said the board has often been presented budgets late in the cycle and needs a substantive role earlier: 'The board doesn't seem to have a seat at the table. We don't have a finance committee… We can't make decisions without options.' He also warned that if the early calendar does not pass the district could see 'approximately 800 to 1,000,000' added to its deficit for facilities and transportation costs; Dr. James said a staff member would need to provide a precise figure.

Opponents of adding the budget item said administration needed more time to prepare answers and that a thorough discussion would be more productive once principals and staff could supply recommended reductions. Dr. James confirmed the administration will gather principals’ recommendations and report back, and board members discussed convening a special session after that update.

The chair called for a voice vote and announced the motion did not pass; the budget discussion was not added to the meeting agenda. The administration will deliver the promised Friday update outlining potential reductions and next steps for board consideration.