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.
Further, 2021 was an appraisal year, and Asheville property values went up, so even if the tax rate remains the same, Asheville residents will pay more in taxes for the schools. According to a county budget presentation, keeping the tax rate at 12 cents would make ACS $1.44 million more than going with the revenue-neutral rate.
Getting more from taxes and requesting a larger amount from the county will only patch up so many holes. Freeman said other changes, such as a reduced central office staff, will be necessary.
“We have to look at our finances because we’re headed for a brick wall,” he said.