Commissioners restore $500k gift to Cleveland County Schools
By Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent
Government and Education — At Tuesday evening’s September public meeting, the Cleveland County Board of Commissioners restored the $500,000 originally pulled from Cleveland County Schools in the FY2026-27 County Budget.
Never mentioned, but buried in the consent agenda, Chairman of the Cleveland County Board of Commissioners said to the board, “…We’ve had an opportunity to review that, so at this time I entertain a motion to approve the consent agenda.”
The motion was made by Commissioner Deb Hardin; seconded by Commissioner Johnny Hutchins.
No discussion was made and the vote was carried unanimously by all five county commissioners.
But the $500,000 that made the news back in early August of this year wasn’t the only increase in funds.
(CCS 500k continued below...)
The budget amendment portion for Cleveland County Schools was made to increase county school capital by $500,000, and also increase teacher supplements by $240,000 and additionally providing $50,000 to each high school’s booster club program for Burns, Crest, Kings Mountain and Shelby High School.
In a letter dated Sept. 3, 2026, by County Manager David Cotton, to Cleveland County
Budget Analyst and Internal Auditor Ian Bishop, the request was made for the school capitol funds and other funds associated with the amendment.
"lan,
For the September 15th Board Meeting, please add $500,000 to the Budget Amendments for Cleveland County Schools - Capital Outlay, $________ for the Teacher's Supplement, $50,000 for Kings Mountain High School Booster's Club,
Shelby High School Booster's Club, Burns High School Booster's Club, Crest High School Booster's Club.
Best Regards,
David B. Cotton, ICMA-CM
County Manager"
See the letter below:
The commissioners then moved on to other business during the public meeting.
The next public meeting for The Cleveland County Board of Commissioners will be held on Oct. 20, 2026, at 6 p.m.
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Chuck Thompson is a reporter and columnist for The Shelby Independent.
The Shelby Independent.
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