The preschool plan will cost $2.2 million, according to the district’s budget breakdown.
During the May 12 Buncombe County Board of Commissioners meeting, ACS requested $3 million for its preschool program. Should commissioners approve the district’s budget proposal in June, the leftover $800,000 likely would go into the district’s dwindling fund balance.
The preschool program’s budget plan appropriates $500,000 for Asheville Primary repairs.
“At some point, we’re going to have to make some really hard decisions, but it doesn’t mean we’re going to have to not grow Montessori, and it doesn’t mean we can’t grow, hopefully, or maintain our pre-Ks,” ACS Superintendent Gene Freeman said.