Newest WS/FCS budget update outlines request for over $8 million from county

Published 12:05 am Thursday, July 31, 2025

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools has released a new update on its efforts to alleviate the budget deficit from the past fiscal year, including information on a request for aid from the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners.

Requests for support

This week, Interim Superintendent Catty Moore met with the Forsyth County commissioners and spoke about the request f0r $3.8 million in unspent capital funds and a one-time payment of $4.7 million to help pay down the debt WS/FCS owes the state.

WS/FCS overspent state funds in state salary codes. Initial estimates state WS/FCS will owe the state approximately $13.4 million. The debt will begin accruing one percent interest this month. The request was made to avoid additional expenses as the district works to resolve its deficit, which is currently estimated to be $46.1 million.

Moore also reported to the commissioners that the WS/FCS Board of Education requested the North Carolina Board of Education waive penalties that will accrue on debt the district owes the state.

At the end of the discussion, county commissioners said they would consider the funding request at their Aug. 14 meeting, giving the school board time to review and vote on whether to send a letter to legislators in Raleigh formally requesting financial assistance. That discussion happened at a special meeting on Tuesday.

New fiscal management system

The district opened fiscal year 2025-2026 spending with a new resources system, Tyler, to support good fiscal practices and keep the budget balanced.

To keep finances on track, WS/FCS is taking a conservative approach in releasing funds. In some spending categories, including supplies and workshop expenses, only a portion of funds will be available for spending right away. This decision will give WS/FCS flexibility as it works through options for paying down last year’s deficit.

Moore acknowledged recently that this will be a difficult year. She asked principals and other district leaders to prioritize needs, find efficiencies and make sure every dollar supports student success.