Wake County schools' funding deficit could mean fewer resources, counselors

Although the district did receive some increased funding from the county, the amount was $24 million less than what school leaders requested.

Despite some increases in certain areas from teh state, school officials believe the state budget will cost the district $4.5 million and, to balance the budget, some things may have to go.

There have already been cuts in transportation, the reserve fund balance and other adjustments, but it is not enough to fill the funding gap.

School board members are now looking at possible reductions in resources per student, delays in pay increases for athletic coaches and potentially eliminating plans to increase the number of school counselors across the county.

School board members hope to meet with county commissioners again to potentially work out an agreement.

"I think we can avoid it by having the hard conversations with our commissioners about what this means," Wake County school board Chairwoman Monika Johnson-Hostler said.

No date for a meeting between school officials and county commissioners has been set.

The district is currently operating on an interim budget, and final recommended budget changed will be made Aug. 1.