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Matthews County School Board adopts 2026–27 operating budget amid cuts and staffing concerns
Summary
The board approved a $15.26M operating budget for 2026–27 based on an assumed $8.725M local contribution, prompting debate over health-insurance changes, a not-budgeted transportation director role, and potential position absorptions to close a roughly $1.2M shortfall.
The Matthews County School Board voted on March 17 to adopt the 2026–27 operating budget after extended debate about revenue assumptions, benefits costs and staffing implications.
Board members approved the plan that administration said is based on an assumed local contribution of $8.725 million. Superintendent Dr. Daniel and CFO Mrs. Hunley outlined a projected gap driven by a decline in state revenue and higher health-insurance costs, estimating roughly $1.2 million of combined funding reductions and added expenditures that the division is addressing through staffing adjustments and benefit changes.
Key budget details discussed at the meeting included: the school division’s operating request of about $15.26 million; an assumed county/local allocation of $8.725 million; a projected state revenue decline of $325,665; and an anticipated need to move from the Centara health plan to Anthem to limit a larger premium increase. Dr. Daniel said moving to Anthem would reduce the estimated healthcare cost increase (Anthem projected ~10.2% vs. a 26% Centara projection), and that the division planned to pass approximately 75% of increased healthcare costs to employees under the adopted plan unless other funding is found.
Board members and public speakers pressed how the budget would affect operations: the adopted budget does not include funding to hire a transportation director, and administrators said the division would absorb those supervisory responsibilities among existing staff. Bus drivers and community commenters warned that losing a dedicated transportation supervisor could create safety and routing problems for drivers who navigate flooded and low-lying roads in the county.
Supporters of full funding urged the board to press the county board of supervisors and state lawmakers for higher allocations; several board members said they hoped the county would provide more than the assumed $8.725 million and indicated the budget could be amended later if revenues rise.
The motion to adopt the budget passed by voice vote after discussion and recorded "I" and "nay" responses; board members said they will continue discussions with the county and explore mitigation strategies for employee impacts.
The board also announced follow-up calendar and contract items will return for review in April.
