Randolph County School Board outlines $2.2M budget request for 2025-2026

In a meeting filled with camaraderie and purpose, the Randolph County Board of Education convened on January 13, 2025, to discuss crucial budgetary needs for the upcoming school year. The atmosphere was one of collaboration, as school officials expressed gratitude towards the county commissioners for their ongoing support and responsiveness to the school system's needs.

Superintendent Gainey opened the session by emphasizing the importance of transparency and trust between the school board and the commissioners. He highlighted that this meeting marked the twelfth annual budget discussion, a testament to the enduring partnership aimed at enhancing educational services for the children of Randolph County. "At the end of the day, all of this frames up to take care of the great kids of Randolph County," he stated, reinforcing the meeting's focus on student welfare.

The primary agenda item was the local budget request for the 2025-2026 school year. Gainey noted that while the school system strives to keep funding requests reasonable, this year’s proposal would be the highest in over a decade, totaling $2,215,299. This figure reflects a careful consideration of the county's financial landscape, as Gainey acknowledged the various groups vying for funding from the commissioners.

Among the key points discussed were the continuation costs associated with employee benefits, including anticipated increases in insurance and retirement contributions. Gainey outlined specific financial needs, such as a projected 5% increase in insurance costs amounting to approximately $109,000, and a similar increase in retirement matching costs, which would require an additional $208,000. He also mentioned a legislative salary increase of 4%, which would add $349,000 to the budget.

In a notable shift, Gainey announced the removal of a previous request for additional funding for school resource officers, indicating that a sustainable funding source had been identified. This decision was made to minimize the financial burden on the commissioners while ensuring that safety measures remain intact.

As the meeting progressed, Gainey distributed a simplified budget sheet to facilitate understanding among the commissioners, aiming to clarify the school system's financial needs without overwhelming them with complex details. He expressed hope that this approach would foster a more productive dialogue about the budget.

The session concluded with an open invitation for questions, reinforcing the commitment to maintaining a strong relationship between the school board and the county commissioners. Gainey’s closing remarks echoed a sentiment of gratitude, regardless of the budget outcomes, emphasizing the shared goal of supporting the students of Randolph County.

As the board prepares to finalize its budget request, the discussions from this meeting will undoubtedly shape the educational landscape for the coming year, reflecting a community dedicated to its children’s future.