WS/FCS budget shortfall higher than projected

Over the last couple of months, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools officials have been making cuts to compensate for overspending last year by about $16 million.

Now, they say the budget shortfall will be higher than they thought, though the exact figure is still being determined.

The district hired HIL Consultants, a school finance firm, to help make a plan to meet its financial obligations for this year, including payroll. 

The firm found that the district has been overspending in state funds that cover personnel costs — something Superintendent Tricia McManus says she was not previously aware of. 

In a press release, McManus said she would have started eliminating positions before this year had she had “accurate fiscal projections.”

“Our community places its trust in us to manage public funds with accuracy and accountability. We did not meet that standard," McManus said in the release. "We are already taking corrective action. Our goal is not only to fix past issues, but to rebuild trust and ensure this never happens again."

WS/FCS Chief Financial Officer Thomas Kranz announced last month that he’d be resigning effective June 30. Now, officials say his last day is May 9. McManus also recently announced plans to retire at the end of the school year.

The district’s financial distress has drawn the attention of both the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and the state auditor. School officials say they are cooperating with both entities on their requests for more information. 

Amy Diaz covers education for WFDD in partnership with Report For America. You can follow her on Twitter at @amydiaze.