Forsyth schools warn of coming budget crunch
With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing, Forsyth County school officials predict an 11% decrease in state education funding and a local tax digest that is projected to increase less than in prior years.
While the district said it seeks to avoid a reduction in force, maintain benefits to employees, and not increase class sizes or staff caseloads, “for the 2020-21 school year there will be no step increases, no cost-of-living increases, and decreases to the student (school) and employee work calendars.”
Until it receives revenue projections from the state and county, the district said it will not know the specific number of school and work days, or which days, will be adjusted.
The district also said it has reduced department budgets, implemented a hiring freeze for non-teaching positions, restricted non-essential employee travel, and “carefully reviewed” its fund balance capacity.
“A tax (millage rate) increase is not an option,” the district said. “Many in our county are or will be facing job/income loss.”
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