Moore County Schools pass budget resolution, invests in middle-school ELA and nursing for IEP students

The Moore County Board of Education passed a budget resolution, approved $941,800 in specialized nursing and a new $112,664 middle-school English pilot program at the June 30 combined work session and regular meeting.

Assistant Superintendent for Budget and Finance Tina Edmonds presented the $184,943,297 continuation budget from 2025-26 and will present the final budget in Oct. The budget resolution permits Moore County Schools to process payroll and payments into the new fiscal year while awaiting a state budget.

Some appropriations are routine, but the fund balance is not a recurring revenue source. The budget amendment assigns $1.86 million in Local Current Expense, $3.23 million in Capital Outlay, $2.63 million for School Nutrition, and $8.74 million in Restricted Revenue.

The Local Current Expense Fund must maintain a $1.5 million to $4 million unappropriated balance per the budget resolution, restricting flexibility if revenues fall or costs increase. Read the March coverage of the school budget to learn why the fund balance reserve minimum was reduced in the article, Moore County Schools’ proposed 167.7 M budget faces $428,000 shortfall.

County funds dropped to $35.34 million, and transfers to charter schools increased from $3.97 million to $4.16 million. The state requires these payments, and as enrollment at charter schools increases, they divert local funds from traditional public schools.

The Capital Outlay Fund totals $4.35 million, with more than $3.2 million coming from the fund balance rather than recurring revenue.

NURSES

Neil Waters, Chief Administrator for Exceptional Children’s Services, presented the nursing contract request for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) who require specialized nursing.

Superintendent Jennifer Purvis said the current nurses are excellent but are not qualified for catheterizations or tracheotomy care.

Member David Hensley said the average pay for a nurse was $40 per hour and the district was paying $35 over the average for special needs nurses.

Nurses are paid hourly wages and are only on duty when students are on campus, which averages to about 8.5 months.

MGA Staffing’s $592,312.50 contract for skilled nursing to six medically complex students is funded by Medicaid Outreach (PRC 305).

Mariposa School will receive $78,000 to provide special education services for an autistic student. Medicaid Outreach Administrative Claiming (PRC 305) will fund the contract.

Sandhills Children’s Center will receive $271,500 through State PRC 063 Developmental Day funds to offer developmental day services to 20 children aged 3-5.

Contracted services are more cost-effective than expanding employee numbers, mitigates shortages of qualified staff, and affords flexibility given that many services are student-specific and potentially temporary. Continuity of service is maintained by contracting with the incumbent or lowest-priced vendor.

ENGLISH PILOT PROGRAM

The Moore County Board of Education reviewed and approved instruction on formulaic writing, applying rubrics and proofreading in the middle school English pilot program with Arts and Letters curriculum from Great Minds for 2026-27.

Teachers will be trained beginning in Aug.

Member Steve Johnson asked for writing samples after the program is in practice.

The curriculum aligns with North Carolina’s 2027-28 language arts standards. It replaces the middle school ELA curriculum created by Moore County teachers with lessons in various genres.

Member Ken Benway asked about reading a full book, writing and reporting and was informed they would read multiple books each year.

The Arts and Letters curriculum emphasizes knowledge building through complex texts while developing reading, writing, speaking, listening, vocabulary, grammar and research skills.

The first-year pilot is expected to cost $112,664.48, which will be paid with State PRC 103 Title II funds.

Novels stay in the classrooms, and workbooks go home with students.

The board estimates $51,942.18 annually for the three schools after the first year. The State PRC 131 textbook funds will cover this expense.

During public comments, Jim Pedersen said he had tears of joy when he learned students would be reading some books that celebrated America’s fight for freedom because they inspire critical thinking and foster a love of reading. Students will be required to read four books per year in the pilot program. “I think all we needed was a new superintendent.”

The next meeting is Aug. 3 at 1:30.

June 30, 2026

Stephanie M. Sellers

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