Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Seeks $155M From County

A new budget proposal submitted by the Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools reveals the district is seeking $155M from Forsyth County. That's a little more than 25 percent of its entire proposed budget of $616 million.

This is the first budget prepared under new Superintendent Angela Hairston.

The Winston-Salem Journal reports the vote was near-unanimous, with one dissenter.

The budget includes $11 million that would come from the quarter-cent sales tax voters approved in March. That figure was adjusted downward from $13 million because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Those funds would help boost a local salary supplement for teachers. 

Bus drivers and hourly food service staff would see a 3 percent pay increase, with all other classified and non-certified staff eligible for 2 percent raises.

County commissioners are expected to review the budget proposal on Thursday, after which the board can make modifications before taking a final vote.