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Superintendent asks for $67.6 million in requests as district faces state funding gaps and inflation
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Hushard presented an overview of the 2026–27 budget request March 16, citing state and federal funding levels, inflation, an EC funding gap, Chromebook replacement costs, and a $67.6 million total request that includes increased teacher supplements and EC funding; staff signaled possible reductions, consolidation or RIFs to close budget shortfalls.
Superintendent Dr. Hushard outlined the Gaston County Schools 2026–27 budget request to the board on March 16, emphasizing mounting fiscal pressures from lost state supplemental funds, inflation and recurring technology replacement costs.
Dr. Hushard told the board the district's funding mix includes federal funding (about $26.6 million in 2024–25), state funding (about $219.9 million in 2025–26) and local operating funds (roughly $54.8 million). He said the superintendent's total request, combining ongoing and new expenditures, is approximately $67.6 million and asked for items including a $3.6 million increase to certified teacher supplements to match peer districts and $3.3 million to cover an exceptional children (EC) funding gap tied to the district's EC population (over 15%).
The superintendent flagged recurring costs that affect the operating budget: end-of-life Chromebook replacement (estimated $2.35 million for partial refresh cycles), a projected 3% employee compensation increase, rising health insurance and retirement contributions, and unrealized inflationary pressure. Dr. Hushard also outlined capital maintenance requests and stressed capital and operational funds are distinct and not interchangeable.
Board members asked for clarification on the percent of the county budget the request represents; Dr. Hushard said he would provide that figure after consulting county staff. He reiterated that the district has implemented a hiring freeze (in effect since December) and a purchasing freeze (effective March 1) while staff continues work to identify reductions, possible school consolidations and, if necessary, reductions in force to balance the operating budget.
Ending: The budget presentation was informational; the superintendent will return a formal budget request for board adoption next month and will continue to work with county officials and the state to address gaps.
