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FSUS director flags 45% cut in state recognition funds; DOE changes Teacher of the Year process
Summary
Executive Director Dr. Christopher Small told the board that FSUS’s state recognition allocation fell from $255,000 to $153,000 (a 45% drop), staff are surveying needs related to potential SNAP funding freezes, and the DOE will consolidate Teacher/Employee of the Year submissions across lab schools.
Executive Director Dr. Christopher Small told the FSUS Charter Board on Nov. 18, 2025 that state‑allocated school recognition funds for 2025–26 were reduced from $255,000 to $153,000 for FSUS, a 45% decrease from the prior year. Faculty is voting on how to distribute the remaining recognition funds for teacher bonuses.
Dr. Small said the school distributed information to families about food supply services amid concern over potential SNAP funding freezes; a needs survey generated responses from individuals and organizations offering assistance. He also said the state Department of Education will no longer allow a Teacher of the Year and Employee of the Year to be submitted separately for each of FSU’s lab schools; FSUS winners will instead compete against winners from other lab schools and the College of Education will select the final candidate for statewide competition.
Dr. Small said the school scheduled a series of informational sessions to increase parent engagement and plans to distribute a climate survey in March using Sogolytics/K‑12 Insight to collect data for strategic planning. Additional financial reports, including internal accounts and the recent audit, are slated for presentation to the board in January.
Athletics Director Anthony Robinson reported sports updates, including the football team reaching the regional semifinals; junior Peyton Johnson’s commitment to Mercer for golf; boys cross‑country qualifying for state finals; swim and dive advancing to regionals; and volleyball reaching the regional semifinals. Robinson also said the athletics department completed winter sports emergency action plans.
Chair Darryl Marshall announced the December board meeting will be canceled; the meeting adjourned at 4:52 PM.
