State Funding Restrictions Announced for Local School Districts
April 14, 2009 - Based upon continuing cash flow shortages, the State Department of Public Instruction yesterday issued funding restrictions to school districts across North Carolina. In a memo to Superintendents, State Board of Education Chairman and Chief Executive Officer William Harrison outlined six actions:- State funding only for mandatory obligations;
- All purchase orders using state funds must be fulfilled by April 16th or be cancelled. No additional service contracts may be issued which are paid from state funds;
- All travel using state funds will be eliminated for the remainder of the fiscal year;
- Vacant or temporary positions may not be filled with the exception of absolutely critical vacancies in classroom or principal positions;
- No promotions, relocations or salary adjustments will be made and
- Carry over funds will be allowed only in extreme circumstances.
According to WCPSS Chief Business Officer David Neter, given the revenue shortfalls at both the local and state levels WCPSS is well positioned to respond to these new restrictions.
“We have to take a hard look at exactly what these new cuts are going to mean to the district, however in late 2008 and early 2009, we took proactive measures by eliminating travel, freezing vacant positions and identifying ways to reduce costs throughout the system. Our intention was then, as it is now, to be able to react to these new restrictions without having a major negative impact on the classroom,” he said.
In December, the Board of Education approved an $11 million operating budget reduction ($5.7 in local funding and $5.0 million in state funding).
Read the memos from Dr. Harrison and Charles Perusse, State Budget Director.
In the coming days, WCPSS finance staff will be working with state officials to clarify restrictions that appear to impact the classroom.
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