WS/FCS shortfall climbs to $42M for this fiscal year

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools officials say the district’s estimated shortfall for this fiscal year has climbed to approximately $42 million. 

A little more than half of the deficit — $24 million— is on the district’s local expense fund, which is provided by the county. 

The rest is on state funding, which officials say was primarily spent on non-instructional support personnel like custodians and clerical assistants. 

In a letter to state officials, Superintendent Tricia McManus said she’s been talking with the Forsyth County Commissioners about ways to repay the state, though nothing has been decided yet. 

On top of the projected shortfall for this fiscal year, the district is actively working to cut $36 million from next year’s budget. 

The Board of Education is meeting tonight to vote on cost-cutting measures, which include increasing class sizes and reducing transportation services. 

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