We have serious concerns related to the budget request presented to the Davie County Board of Commissioners on May 15, 2012. The budget presented was for $9,540,718 to operate the Davie County Schools in 2012-13. This request was for flat funding, the same amount of local funding we have relied on over the past three years. Out of respect for the current economic conditions, we chose not to ask for an increase in local funds to add other services and personnel that would benefit the educational programs in Davie County Schools.

In response to this request, we have been told that the commissioners are prepared to take $2.2 million from Davie County Schools. The Board of Education has been given the option to write a check for $2.2 million, or has been asked to reduce its' request for funding by $2.2 million or 23%. This request comes at a time when revenues in Davie County are projected to increase in 2012-13. The Board of Education has rejected this funding proposal.

School financing is a complicated issue, but it all boils down to the fact that it takes a basic level of funding to maintain the services we provide as a public school district. Davie County is already one of the lowest funded school districts in North Carolina (105 out of 115 school districts in funding according to the Evergreen Financial Review). While one of the lowest funded, our students consistently score in the top 20% of students in North Carolina. The current return on investment in our county is tremendous! We will continue to strive to make our schools even better, but funding for qualified teachers and support staff is essential.

If you believe everyone in Davie County benefits from having a strong system of public education, and continued financial support for Davie County Schools is a wise investment in the future of our great county, please consider contacting your elected county commissioners and ask them to maintain their current commitment of funding for our schools.

We have provided links below to communications between the Superintendent, Board of Education, and County Commissioners that further detail the proposed reductions to funding our schools, and our response. We have also provided a link to the contact information for the Davie County Board of Commissioners.

There are two important meetings coming up that you may wish to attend if you share our concerns related to a reduction in school funding from county government:

• Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting, June 4, 6:00 PM, County Government Building, 123 South Main St., Mocksville
• A Public Hearing on the County Budget, June 14 at 6:00 PM: the county budget is scheduled to be adopted at that meeting. County Government Building, 123 South Main St., Mocksville

How to Contact Your Local County Commissioner

Click Here for contact information

Links to More Information

Letter to Board of Education Outlining Proposed Cut for 2012-13

Letter to Board of Commissioners in Response to Proposed Cut

The Budget Updates web page outlines updates provided during the entire 2012-13 Budget Process.

Here's a Funding Facts Summary of the following topics:

• How Does Funding and Performance Compare to Others?
• Fund Balance Policy
• Local Funding and How it is Used
• Summary of Cuts Already Addressed
• A $2.2 Million Reduction is Equivalent to What?

We must all work together as a community to support our schools, and to maintain our focus on ensuring our schools are even better places for children to learn and for teachers to teach. It is a pleasure to serve our 6500 students!