Haywood County Schools ask commissioners for $3 million to avoid teacher cuts, raise non‑certified pay

Haywood County Schools officials presented a FY27 budget request on April 20 that seeks a $3 million increase in the county appropriation to avoid personnel cuts and sustain recent program gains.

Superintendent Dr. Trevor Putnham and CFO Leanda (Lyanna) Moody told the Haywood County Board of Commissioners the district’s recommended budget totals about $96 million and that the school system is requesting an increase in the county appropriation from $18,285,134 to $21,285,134 for fiscal year 2627. Putnam and Moody said the $3 million would be allocated roughly as follows: approximately $1.25 million to implement recommendations from a 2025 classified/non‑certified salary study, about $700,000 to avoid further drawing on fund balance, and the remaining roughly $1 million to cover recurring cost increases and preserve roughly 16 teaching positions that would otherwise be at risk under the state funding formula.

Putnham said the classified pay adjustments respond to a state minimum‑wage flattening that left many long‑serving support staff with little room for step increases, and officials argued the proposed increases are needed 'to attract and retain qualified employees.' Moody explained that capital outlay requests total $1.25 million and detailed projects including HVAC, gym floors, fire‑alarm upgrades and a Chromebook refresh cycle.

School staff also highlighted academic performance. Dr. Barker and Putnham emphasized that Haywood’s district and high schools rank among the top in the western region and noted increases in AP participation and pass rates and robust CTE and internship growth. Officials said that last year three high schools and the early college helped secure about $9 million in scholarship offers and that 3,500 credentials were earned in CTE programs last year (up from several hundred earlier in the decade).

Commissioners asked detailed questions about the three components of the $3 million request and pressed staff on long‑term fiscal sustainability and the effect of the state funding formula. Putnham warned that, absent the requested county increase, enrollment‑driven state funding changes and rising retirement and utility costs could force position reductions or erosion of programs: 'If you look at how the state funds us at our high schools, there would be seven less teachers at Pisga High School and there would be seven less teachers at Tuscola High School,' he said during the meeting.

What the board decided: Commissioners received the presentation and asked for follow‑up and clarification. No final appropriation vote was taken at the April 20 meeting; commissioners said they will review the request during budget work and noted competing county priorities.

Ending: School leaders left commissioners with three clear budget asks and a warning that cuts would translate into fewer teachers or fewer student opportunities; commissioners indicated they will weigh the request against county revenue constraints and other departmental needs.