The Northumberland Board of Supervisors held a special meeting on April 25, 2025, to address pressing financial concerns regarding the school budget. The meeting highlighted significant discrepancies in the school’s financial records, raising alarms among board members and community stakeholders.

During the meeting, a board member expressed frustration over a reported $1.2 million shortfall in the school budget, attributing the issue to a lack of proper reconciliation between the school and county financial records. The member pointed out that recent documents indicated $77,000 in salary expenses and over $22,000 in benefits, which seemed to have vanished without explanation. This discrepancy was particularly troubling given the ongoing assurances from both the school board and the Board of Supervisors that the budgets were reconciled.

The discussion revealed that the county's records showed a potential $860,000 deficit in the school’s budget, prompting concerns about the administration's handling of funds. The board member criticized the previous administration for increasing administrative costs while cutting essential programs, suggesting that funds should be reallocated to cover unpaid salaries for staff.

The meeting also touched on the county's dwindling reserves, which reportedly fell from $7 million to $3 million, raising questions about the financial sustainability of the school system moving forward. The urgency of the situation was underscored by the fact that the fiscal year was nearing its end, with only two months left to address the budgetary issues.

Community engagement was evident, with 72 participants joining the meeting online, indicating widespread concern over the financial management of the school system. The board member concluded by offering assistance to the school administration in resolving the financial discrepancies, emphasizing the need for clarity and accountability in the budgeting process.

As the meeting wrapped up, the Board of Supervisors acknowledged the gravity of the situation and the need for immediate action to address the financial challenges facing the school system. Further discussions and budget hearings are anticipated in the coming weeks as the board seeks to navigate these complex issues.