Anson County Schools asks Wadesboro council for $75,000 for fatherhood, mentorship program; council tables request

Representatives of Anson County Schools presented a funding request to the Wadesboro Town Council seeking $75,000 to launch a fatherhood and student-mentorship program aimed at reducing chronic absenteeism and providing supports such as clothing, shoes and parental mentoring.

An Anson County Schools representative described barriers that keep students from attending school, saying, "A child is not wanna come to school if the shoes are not right," and framed the program as a research-based, phased rollout to bridge gaps in attendance and achievement. The presenters said the district serves about 2,900 students across multiple schools and highlighted existing CTE and horticulture programs, including a hydroponic farm at the high school.

Council members asked whether the district offered vocational options such as cosmetology, landscaping and CDL training; presenters said some classes and partnerships exist and that the district can assist with CDL access and other vocational supports. One council member asked whether the full $75,000 was being requested from the town; presenters confirmed the ask.

Given the town’s recently approved budget and concerns about county finances — one council member referenced the county being "in the red" by approximately $4,400,000 — a council member moved to table the request so the council could consult with county officials about potential co-funding. The motion to table was seconded and carried on voice vote.

What happens next: Council will seek additional information, discuss the request internally and consult Anson County officials about possible joint funding. The request was not approved at the meeting; it was tabled for further review.

Ending: The council did not vote to fund the program; it tabled the request to allow for intergovernmental discussions and budget review.