Winston-Salem/Forsyth Schools Request $50M State Aid for Budget Deficit

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools is facing a severe financial crisis with a budget deficit estimated at around $46 million, prompting the district to formally request up to $50 million in aid from the North Carolina state legislature. This request includes funds to cover the deficit and to repay a $4 million loan from the district's Child Nutrition Fund. The district has already implemented significant budget cuts totaling $45 million, including the elimination of 81 central office positions and nearly 200 school-based roles, but warns that without state assistance, further drastic reductions to staff, programs, and services will be necessary. The district also owes $13.7 million to the state for staffing overages and $15 million to vendors, with concerns about potential litigation and accruing interest if debts remain unpaid. Efforts to secure local funding have been unsuccessful, with the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners rejecting a $32 million loan request and postponing consideration of an $8.6 million request until mid-August. School board officials emphasize that they have followed proper procedures in seeking aid and are working to coordinate with legislators, including Representative Donny Lambeth, to address the crisis and prevent further impact on students and the community.