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Cleveland County board asks state to review cuts after 13 pre-K spots lost
Summary
The Cleveland County Board of Education voted 9–0 May 11 to send a resolution asking state officials to review an allocation that cut 13 pre-K slots the district says it had filled, a move administrators warned could force a preschool classroom reduction without restored funding.
The Cleveland County Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution May 11 urging state officials to review recent reductions to countywide pre-kindergarten slots after administrators said the district lost 13 positions it had already filled.
Dr. Stephen Fisher, the district superintendent, told the board the district had 409 pre-K slots funded through a combination of Head Start, Title I and the NC Pre-K program out of a county total of 509. "Last year we had 409 pre-K slots that you can see in the uh resolution," Fisher said, and he said Cleveland County filled its district slots but still lost 13 of the county's allotments when private providers did not fill theirs.
The district says the cutback reduces funding and would likely force the elimination of an entire preschool classroom because the lost money for 13 children cannot cover the cost of a teacher and assistant. Board members voted 9–0 to approve a resolution asking state officials to reconsider or clarify the allocation and to pursue whatever appeal or review mechanisms are available.
Board members discussed follow-up steps the district is pursuing. Fisher told the board staff had received an e-mail earlier in the day that may open a path to question the decision and said district leaders would pursue an appeal/clarification process with the state. "Losing those 13 spots are going to cause us to cut a classroom," Fisher said, explaining the financial implications for staffing and operations.
The resolution asks the state to review its allotment methodology and to consider restoring funding or slots so Cleveland County can maintain current pre-K capacity. The board did not set a specific deadline for the review; Fisher said staff would keep the board informed as the district pursues the state's review or appeal procedures.
What happens next: the district will continue working with state officials and has begun the appeal/clarification conversations referenced in the committee report. The resolution passed 9–0.
Sources: Superintendent Dr. Stephen Fisher and committee reports presented to the Cleveland County Board of Education.
