Wake County superintendent proposes 2026-27 budget; parents and teachers push to preserve special-education services

Dr. Catherine Taylor presented the superintendent's proposed 2026-27 budget to the Wake County Board of Education on April 7, asking county commissioners for a $25.3 million increase in local funding and warning that declines in federal carryover and state funding uncertainty would require careful choices.

The presentation by district finance staff said state funding, which accounts for roughly 55% of the district's operating budget, remains uncertain because the North Carolina General Assembly has not passed a comprehensive state budget. The staff noted a projected $27.5 million reduction in federal carryover funds (including Title I and IDEA) and declining unassigned fund balance, both of which reduce one-time flexibility for next year.

"The superintendent's proposed budget is a recommendation to the Board of Education, and only the board submits a budget to county commissioners," a district presenter told board members during the overview.

The draft included a list of targeted reductions and alternatives staff will bring to the board. Those options initially included a set of reductions that staff said would reduce some special-education positions. That possible reduction prompted a large turnout of parents, instructional assistants and teachers at the meeting.

"Eliminating 130 positions in these proposed cuts will not just affect staff, it will directly impact students, parents, and communities," said Irene Castro, a Wake County graduate who testified during the public-comment period, summarizing concerns repeated by many speakers.

Teachers and parents described cases of ballooning caseloads and programming they said were essential. Elizabeth Marshack, a 15-year teacher, said a colleague's caseload would rise from 14 to nearly 30 students under proposed changes, while multiple parents said programs such as CCK and middle-school "essentials" have produced measurable student gains.

Responding to the outpouring, Dr. Taylor told the board during the meeting that the administration heard the concerns and clarified how the proposal would be handled. "We are not firing 130 teachers," he said, and staff would present alternatives to the special-education reductions at upcoming budget work sessions. He also noted that the district currently serves special education through a budget of over $307 million (excluding transportation) and that the district intends to continue the full continuum of services.

The superintendent's proposal anticipates some unavoidable costs as well: an estimated 3% legislated state pay increase (projected), restoration of master's-degree differentials, increased pass-through funds to charter schools tied to higher local funding, and new school openings. Staff also listed preliminary strategic reductions that include $500,000 from central office instructional services, $2.2 million by changing how literacy coaches are allotted, $50,000 by moving to a digital handbook, and $2.5 million in a base transportation budget adjustment.

Board members stressed that final decisions rest with the board, and they urged the public and advocacy groups to review the materials, submit questions to staff for the work session, and attend the district's community input hearings scheduled in coming days. Several board members said they will press state and local officials to restore funding and urged constituents to advocate with county commissioners and legislators.

Next steps: staff will present alternative reduction options at the board's first budget work session and post formal responses to board questions online ahead of the May 15 deadline for submitting a request to the county commissioners.