deficit

In a matter of a few months, the district's shortfall ballooned, the state got involved and both the Chief Financial Officer and superintendent retired. The turmoil has caused anxiety and distrust in the community, leaving many wanting answers.

At a school board meeting on Tuesday, Interim Superintendent Catty Moore identified about $45 million in cost savings for next year’s budget. But she warned that the district may owe federal withholding payments to the IRS, which could mean this year's shortfall is higher than projected.

Commissioners did say they were willing to establish a payment plan for the school district to meet its more than $5 million in unpaid obligations to the county for school resource officers, nurses, fuel and lease payments.

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

An audit found that the district overspent its budget last year by about $16 million. To make up for the error, officials proposed reducing 81 central office positions.

The housing choice voucher program helps low-income residents who are qualified to pay for housing.

Community colleges in North Carolina are experiencing record enrollments, but due to a stalled budget in Raleigh, many are dealing with financial shortfalls.