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Board hears that staffing carries most of the budget; $2.5M local cost to hold excess positions
Summary
Treasure and HR staff told the McDowell County Schools board that personnel makes up roughly 80% of the general fund and that carrying 15 professional and 43 service positions would cost the local budget about $2.5 million, amid steady enrollment decline.
Treasurer Jenna Khan told the McDowell County Schools board that personnel expenses are the dominant portion of the district’s budget and that staff reductions this spring are driven by state funding formulas and enrollment declines. "Roughly 80% of our salary and fringe is 80% of our general fund," Khan said, explaining the district’s budgeting steps and full‑time‑equivalency calculations.
Khan gave dollar estimates the board can expect if it chooses to locally carry positions outside the state formula: "To carry 15 professional positions would cost right just right under $996,000," she said, and covering 43 service positions would add about $1,500,000 — a combined local burden of about $2,500,000. HR Director Tonya White and Khan said the district will try to eliminate vacancies first but noted certification and scheduling needs can require keeping some roles even if the headcount appears excessive on paper.
Board members pressed for clarification about which funds and grants could offset payroll, and Khan said staff aim to use allowable grant funds where possible but that some positions cannot be covered by grants. The presentation emphasized that reductions follow state rules on seniority, certification and bumping, and that transfers can produce a "domino effect" of displacements across schools. The board took no final action on specific personnel letters during the meeting.
