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Avery County Schools report enrollment decline, say ESSER funds fully spent and staffing adjustments underway
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Terry Worrell reported the district has 1,694 students (down from 1,972 in 2018–19), said all ESSER funds were expended by Sept. 30, 2024, and described staffing adjustments and an open CFO position; a safety grant for fencing was also reported.
At a special joint meeting on April 15, Avery County school leaders reported a multi-year enrollment decline, confirmed ESSER grant spending is complete and described ongoing staffing adjustments ahead of the next school year.
Dr. Terry Worrell, superintendent, said the district currently has 1,694 students enrolled, down from 1,972 in 2018–19. He also told the meeting: “All remaining ESSER funds were fully expended by September 30, 2024.” Worrell said some positions funded by ESSER were eliminated after the grant period ended and the district is working to place staff in positions that match certifications.
Worrell said the district’s school psychologist position, which had been open for a couple of years, has been filled. He said there is an open chief financial officer position. On social-work staffing, Worrell said there is not currently a dedicated allocation: the district receives blocks of funds allocated per student that can be used for counselors or similar roles, but no social worker position is funded now.
Other brief items: Logan Burleson reported the district received a safety grant to support fencing at Newland Elementary and Avery County High School. Commissioner Wood Hall Young Jr. asked whether the Department of Transportation had been contacted about the bus parking lot and access road; Mike Buchanan said he had discussed the issue with Chris Benfield.
The meeting recessed and then adjourned by motion at 5:44 p.m.; motion to adjourn was made by Junior Benfield and seconded by Wood Hall Young Jr.
Why it matters: lower enrollment affects state funding and staffing needs; completion of ESSER spending ends that source for positions; open leadership and budgeted roles will shape next year’s staffing and services.
Next steps: the board will continue budget meetings (next scheduled May 8) and the district will place certified staff in positions before the new school year.
