“Once again we’re using the same approach as we’ve done the past three years,” Miller said. “We’re not asking for any increases in the capital budget.”
This year the county contributed $4,634,788 to the school system’s operational budget and another $312,267 to capital improvements. The recommended budget for next year will include $4,784,788 for the school system’s operational budget and the same $312,267 for capital improvements.
“That $675k is my best guess at this time,” said Miller. “That third prong is money we will put in from leftover this year or from our savings.”
N.C. legislation plans to meet in May, when the school systems will have a better idea of how much money will be funded.
Commissioners thanked Miller and county manager Ryan Whitson for working together so closely over the past few years to know these cuts were coming.
Commissoner chair Ray Gasperson asked Miller about the preschool program for next year. Miller said he couldn’t make any promises with state funding but feels confident  Polk County’s program will remain intact. This year the school system began the year with one fewer preschool class but was able to reinstate it during the middle of the year.
“In Polk, with your help and grants we receive from Head Start and those who can pay a little bit, I feel like we will be in good shape,” Miller said. “We did without one classroom last year but because of your help put it back at the middle of the year. We’re making every plan to have the same number of classrooms next year as we have this year.”
Whitson will present a recommended budget to commissioners on May 7. The county is required to adopt a new budget by June 30.