School funding

Initially skeptical of the land giveaway, he came around to supporting it after hearing the community benefits — but used his three minutes to press commissioners on school funding, saying two school board members told Commissioner Ramey the schools didn't need $700,000.

Urged the board to fund the schools' full $3 million request rather than $2.3 million, saying taxpayers would support it, and praised the jail expansion as the county's most important decision.

A WCU professor cited research linking per-pupil investment to reduced arrests and asked the board to fund the full $3 million.

A social worker and new homeowner asked the board to choose education over incarceration if choices must be made.

A retired teacher since 1973 said she came because of reports the county 'chose the jail over the schools,' arguing that funding schools reduces future jail needs.

A father of two Haywood County students said the schools' quality is why his family stays and urged full funding.

A 23-year veteran teacher said schools are the engine of the community, providing meals and mental health support, and warned Waynesville Middle has already lost positions.

A new homeowner and tutor questioned why the Sheriff's Office has an armored vehicle while schools face cuts, urging investment in kids over jail beds.

A social worker and mother called the budget proposal 'embarrassing,' saying kids get crumbs while the county funds armored vehicles and jail beds.

Presented a proposed 'Kids Over Corporations' resolution on behalf of the Haywood County Association of Educators urging the board to support state education funding.

A Tuscola teacher and NCAE officer warned of increased class sizes, closed schools, and up to 14 teaching position cuts without full funding.

Cited a $1.8 million school funding gap versus tens of millions for the jail, and asked the board to hold a public forum with state legislators.

The schools superintendent said the two-decade-old funding formula doesn't account for inflation, noting starting teacher pay has risen from about $30,000 to $48,000.

The Board of Education chairman, serving 26 years, said without a major formula adjustment crucial cuts will follow and supported the schools' budget request.

A parent of future students said underfunding schools is 'flat out unacceptable' and asked the board to fully fund the request.

The principal of Central Haywood High School said the shortfall means real consequences for staff and asked the board to keep working toward full funding.

The school board chairman noted Haywood Schools rank in the top 10% of 115 districts and asked commissioners to approve the full budget request to maintain that performance.

The schools' assistant superintendent laid out the $3 million request's three purposes — ending fund balance reliance, protecting 14 locally paid honors/AP teaching positions, and funding a salary study for non-certified staff — and read a letter of support from the county's principals.

A Clyde pastor, business owner, and father of three urged full funding of the schools' $3 million request, arguing education is 'seed money' for future tax revenue and that funding now avoids a politically awkward tax hike after the 2027 revaluation.