WS/FCS Board Delays Budget Vote, Audit Discussion Until April 21

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The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools board has postponed both a discussion of a recent district audit and a vote on the proposed 2026-27 budget until its April 21 meeting. The audit discussion was delayed after board members did not receive the report ahead of the meeting, while the budget vote was pushed back to allow more time for review. The proposed budget aims to stabilize the district's finances while making new investments in classrooms and staff, but faces significant funding challenges.

Why it matters

The delay in the audit discussion and budget vote highlights the ongoing financial challenges facing the WS/FCS district, which has recently dealt with issues like failing to disclose $15 million in financial information and a $46 million deficit. The proposed budget seeks to address these problems, but will require significant additional funding from Forsyth County to implement new initiatives.

The details

The district's proposed 2026-27 budget totals $598,139,084, with 61% coming from state funding, 29% from local county funding, 9% from federal grants, and 1% from other special revenue. To cover new investments in staffing, curriculum, school safety and other needs, the district is requesting a $30,456,416 increase in county funding, for a total local budget of $208,412,911. This is necessary to offset a $15 million overall reduction largely due to declining enrollment, as well as $11.5 million in state funding cuts and $3.5 million in federal funding reductions. The budget proposal includes adding nine assistant principal positions, maintaining Exceptional Children teacher levels despite enrollment declines, and funding a multi-year English/Language Arts curriculum adoption.

• The WS/FCS board tabled both the audit discussion and budget vote during its April 15, 2026 meeting.
• The board will take up the audit discussion and budget vote at its April 21, 2026 meeting.
• If the board approves the budget request on April 21, the superintendent will present it to the county manager. The Forsyth County commissioners would then approve a county budget that includes the school district's local funding share.
• The board must pass a final budget resolution before June 30, 2026.

What’s next

The WS/FCS board will vote on the proposed 2026-27 budget at its April 21, 2026 meeting. If approved, the superintendent will present the budget to the Forsyth County manager, and the county commissioners will then approve a county budget that includes the school district's local funding share.