Summary: Buncombe County has a budget deficit because of Helene expenses and is proposing to cut $4.8 million from the City and County school budgets.

The Facts: The Buncombe County Commision will vote on January 21st whether to approve a proposed $4.8 million in budget cuts to City and County schools. The proposed budget amendment says that these cuts are needed because of “the effects of Helene.”

Documents: Budget Amendment Text

Our Assessment: We wonder why other options aren’t being presented, such as dipping into the fund balance, to make up this shortfall. What is a “rainy day fund” for if not these kinds of moments? We’re also troubled that this proposal arrives without any specificity around what programs or positions will be affected, and ultimately what impact there will be on students. Since our local schools already have a huge opportunity gap between Black and white students, it’s very possible that these cuts will disproportionately impact students of color. As is often the case, the County is providing very little information, and so we’re unpersuaded that this is a necessary or wise move.

Our Ask: We invited you to email the Buncombe County Commission and ask them why other funding strategies were not being considered and what the impacts of these cuts would be on students, especially students of color. 

Report Back

On January 21st, the Buncombe County Commission voted to cut $4.7 million from the Asheville City Schools and Buncombe County Schools budget. The vote was 5-2, with Martin Moore and Jennifer Horton voting against the cuts.