Rutherford County School Board Approves $56M Interim Budget

The Rutherford County Board of Education approved a nearly $56 million interim budget during a special called meeting on June 30, before state lawmakers finalized the  state budget and Gov. Josh Stein signed it into law in early July.

The interim spending plan allowed the school system to continue operations while awaiting state funding details. Lawmakers reached a budget agreement on July 2, and Stein signed the measure on July 7.

The approved interim budget included more than $31.5 million in state funds, nearly $9.9 million in local current expense funds, and additional federal, capital, nutrition and grant funding.

Board members discussed the uncertainty created by the delayed state budget process, with board member Thomas Crawford questioning the requirement for school districts to prepare interim spending plans while waiting on lawmakers.

The board also approved replacing the HVAC system at East Rutherford Middle School after an unexpected failure. Officials said the system, installed in 2008, had exceeded many years of service expectations, with one circuit failing and the remaining system operating temporarily.

The replacement project is expected to take several months and may require adjustments to previously planned capital projects.

The board also moved forward with the disposition of the former Rutherford Opportunity Center (ROC) property on Old Caroleen Road. An independent appraisal valued the property at $1.439 million, while board members discussed a previous county estimate of approximately $160,000.

School officials said state law limits how proceeds from school property sales can be used, requiring funds to support capital needs or reduce certain debt obligations.

The board also approved a food service contract amendment with Chartwells, a Duke Energy utility easement for East Rutherford High School, and other year-end budget actions.