New Hanover County Schools Finance Committee Embarks on a Transparent Budget Journey

The New Hanover County Schools (NHCS) Finance Committee recently convened to lay the groundwork for the district’s budget discussions, marking its inaugural meeting since expanding its membership. This was a significant move aimed at fostering transparency and effective communication in the budget process.

Key Takeaways from the Finance Committee Meeting

Held on a recent Tuesday, this pivotal meeting included representation from NHCS employees, board members, county commissioners, and community members. The agenda focused on fortifying understanding of the district’s financial landscape and exploring funding strategies.

• Board Member Pat Bradford: Praised the collaborative nature of the meeting, expressing optimism about the outcomes.
• Natalie English: Wilmington Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, emphasized the need for a committee that mirrors Charlotte’s successful model.

Committee Members

• Pat Bradford, Chair, NHCS Board Member
• Hugh McManus, NHCS Board Member (term expires in December)
• Stephanie Walker, NHCS Board Member (term expires in December)
• Bill Rivenbark, New Hanover County Commissioner
• Rob Zapple, New Hanover County Commissioner
• Christopher Barnes, NHCS Interim Superintendent
• Ashley Sutton, NHCS Chief Financial Officer
• Joyce Bristow, NHCS Budget Supervisor
• Jared Worthington, NHCS Executive Director of School Support
• Lisa Wurtzbacher, New Hanover County Assistant County Manager
• Eric Credle, New Hanover County Chief Financial Officer
• Amanda Kostusiak, New Hanover County Budget Officer
• Charlene Thompson, Treasurer, Ashley High School
• Hannah Moon, English Teacher, Laney High School, Teacher of the Year
• Janna Lennon, Principal, Mary C. Williams Elementary
• Natalie English, Wilmington Chamber of Commerce President and CEO
• Chris Riley, Senior Vice President, CAPTRUST Wealth Management
• John Hinnant, Real Estate Broker
• Phillip Sutton, Principal, New Hanover High School (absent from meeting)
• Kim Clark, Principal, Trask Middle School (absent from meeting)

The diverse set of members provides a comprehensive advisory panel to ensure sound decision-making in fiscal matters, prioritizing open, transparent budget development.

Tackling Budget Challenges

Facing a daunting fiscal environment, NHCS has grappled with budget cuts, as recent cycles necessitated a $20 million reduction. This highlighted the need for proactive steps to avert similar challenges. The committee devoted time to demystifying the $315-million operating budget, scrutinizing the state’s funding formulas and their impacts on district finances.

• State Funding Nuances: State funding comprises 50% of the NHCS budget, pivoting on average daily membership (ADM). However, discrepancies in funding allocation exacerbate challenges, particularly with ADM declines.
• Charter and Private School Dynamics: The rise in charter school enrollments draws ire from board members like McManus, who urged for parity in standards echoing charter institutions.

School Personnel Funding Gaps

Interim Superintendent Barnes emphasized misalignments in the state’s staffing formula, highlighting disparities that compel NHCS to supplement state allocations for key roles:

• Assistant Principals: State allocation falls short, prompting NHCS to create additional positions to meet actual needs.
• Enhancement Teachers: Schools face challenges staffing essential roles in arts and instructional support.

Given these gaps, the district’s advocacy efforts include lobbying for changes at the state level, aligning funding mechanisms with actual educational needs.

The Path Forward for NHCS

The committee’s transparency commitment was evident at the outset, with aspirations for future meetings to be publicly accessible despite logistical constraints. The determination to meet staffing challenges and bolster academic standards forms the cornerstone of future strategies.

• Board Commitment: Commissioner Zapple reinforced the board’s intent to fund essential roles like school nurses and counselors, pivotal for addressing students’ increased mental health needs.
• Community Engagement: The expanded committee underscores the importance of community collaboration, urging stakeholders to advocate for supportive educational policies at the state level.

Conclusion

The New Hanover County Schools Finance Committee’s expanded and transparent approach aims to bridge the chasm between state provisions and district needs, ensuring equitable and high-quality education. The committee’s next meeting in the new year promises to continue this vital dialogue, aligning resources and strategies to meet the diverse needs of NHCS students.

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Source: https://portcitydaily.com/local-news/2024/11/29/nhcs-expanded-finance-committee-commits-to-transparency-in-budget-process/