To provide up-to-date and transparent information about the district’s financial condition, this is the July 25 Community Budget Update.
Requests for Support
This week, Interim Superintendent Catty Q. Moore met with the Forsyth County Commissioners about the district’s request that they allocate $3.8 million in unspent capital funds and a one-time payment of $4.7 million to help pay down the debt WS/FCS owes the state.
WS/FCS overspent state funds in state salary codes. Initial fiscal year-end reconciliations estimate WS/FCS will owe the state approximately $13.4 million. The debt will begin accruing one percent interest this month. The request was made in an effort to avoid additional expenses as the district works to resolve its Fiscal Year 24-25 deficit, which is currently estimated to be $46.1 million.
Moore also reported to the commissioners that the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Board of Education requested the North Carolina Board of Education waive penalties that will accrue on debt the district owes the state.
At the end of the wide-ranging discussion, County Commissioners said they would consider the funding request at their August 14 meeting. This will give the School Board time to review and vote on whether to send a letter to legislators in Raleigh formally requesting financial assistance. That discussion will happen at a special School Board meeting on July 29.
New Fiscal Management System
The district opened Fiscal Year 25-26 spending with a new enterprise resources system – Tyler – to support good fiscal practices and keep the budget balanced.
To keep finances on track, WS/FCS is taking a conservative approach in releasing funds. In some spending categories, including supplies and workshop expenses, only a portion of funds will be available for spending right away. This decision will give WS/FCS flexibility as it works through options for paying down last year’s deficit.
Moore acknowledged that this will be a difficult year. She asked principals and other district leaders to prioritize needs, find efficiencies, and make sure every dollar supports student success.
“I am deeply grateful for the creativity, collaboration, and resilience you have brought to this challenge. I ask for your continued partnership as we find our way through this together,” she told district leaders.
Find past updates, presentations, and more on our Community Budget Update portal.