On April 25, 2023 the Wayne County Board of Education held a special called meeting to discuss the Superintendent’s Proposed Budget, which was presented in March. WCPS Chief Finance Officer, Leslie Rouse, shared three public comments provided to the Board in advance of the meeting. She then answered a number of questions specific to the proposed budget. Mrs. Rouse explained what was included in the annual budget based on available local, state and federal funds and what increases in costs were expected to impact the budget in the coming year.

There was some discussion about fund balance and the need to establish an appropriate fund balance to maintain. Much of the Board’s discussion centered around the need for supplemental support from the Wayne County Board of Commissioners to assist the Board of Education with its two top priorities (Safety & Security and Increasing Teacher Supplements) which extend beyond the 2023-2024 Budget. Interim Superintendent, Dr. Michael Priddy, encouraged the Board to have a joint meeting with the Board of Commissioners so it can address the BOE’s budget request and priorities as part of its own budget for the upcoming year. Dr. Priddy expressed that it is the Board of Education responsibility to inform the Board of Commissioners about its needs for the schools, and that it is the Board of Commissioners responsibility to determine what level it can support the BOE in addressing those needs. Board members were in agreement that a joint meeting is needed. After some additional discussion with district staff about the Board’s priorities and the need for added support from the Board of Commissioners, the Board adjourned.