The budget can still be fixed - Cleveland County Commissioners should act now

By Wayne King | Guest Opinion

OPINION — The debate over funding for Cleveland County Schools should not end with the adoption of the county budget. In fact, North Carolina law provides the Cleveland County Board of Commissioners with the authority to revisit and amend the budget if they determine changes are necessary.

North Carolina General Statute § 159-15 states that, "Except as otherwise restricted by law, the governing board may amend the budget ordinance at any time after the ordinance's adoption in any manner..."

In other words, the commissioners are not powerless. They have both the authority and the opportunity to address concerns that have emerged since the budget was adopted.

The recently revealed $500,000 reduction in county funding for Cleveland County Schools has understandably generated concern among parents, teachers, school employees, and taxpayers. Many residents were surprised to learn about the reduction after the budget was adopted, prompting important questions about both the budget process and the county's priorities.

To be clear, it is entirely reasonable to ask whether Cleveland County Schools requires the same level of local funding in light of declining student enrollment. Enrollment trends matter, and every public dollar deserves careful scrutiny. Those are fair questions that elected officials have a responsibility to examine.

But enrollment alone does not tell the whole story.

Schools still face rising costs for personnel, transportation, utilities, school safety, technology, insurance, and maintaining facilities. The fixed costs of operating a school system do not disappear simply because enrollment declines. Responsible budgeting requires looking beyond a single statistic and examining the complete financial picture.

That is why I am calling on the Cleveland County Board of Commissioners to schedule a joint public work session with the Cleveland County Board of Education.

Not a political meeting.

Not finger-pointing.

A public, transparent discussion where both boards sit at the same table and answer the questions taxpayers deserve to have addressed.

What are the actual financial needs of Cleveland County Schools for the 2026-27 fiscal year?

How has declining enrollment affected operational costs?

What expenses are fixed regardless of enrollment?

Are there efficiencies that can be found?

Does the current level of county funding adequately support students while remaining fiscally responsible to taxpayers?

These are questions that deserve thoughtful answers, not assumptions.

A joint work session would allow commissioners, school board members, administrators, and the public to review the facts together before deciding whether a budget amendment is warranted. It would also demonstrate something many citizens feel has been lacking throughout this budget process: transparency.

Public education represents one of the largest and most important investments Cleveland County makes every year. Decisions affecting thousands of students, hundreds of employees, and the future workforce of our community deserve open discussion—not surprise discoveries buried in budget documents.

If, after reviewing the facts, the commissioners conclude that the reduction should remain, they can explain their reasoning publicly. If they determine additional funding is justified, G.S. 159-15 gives them the legal authority to amend the budget ordinance accordingly.

This should not be about politics. It should be about good governance.

The commissioners have the legal authority to act.

Now they should demonstrate the leadership to do so.

Let's bring everyone to the table, examine the facts, listen to the public, and make the best decision for Cleveland County's students, taxpayers, and our future.

Wayne King is a husband, father, businessman, and the Republican nominee for Cleveland County Commissioner. He serves as a member of the Cleveland Community College Board of Trustees and previously served as Vice Chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party.

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