Rutherford School Board Tackles Budget, Repairs, and New Diploma Option

The September meeting of the Rutherford County Board of Education opened with the voices of Forrest Hunt Elementary students leading the Pledge of Allegiance. They also spoke about how community partners help support students with after-school care, bike helmets, and backpacks.

The focus soon turned to celebrating teachers. Chase Middle School principal Jennifer McBrayer was honored as Principal of the Year, and teacher Anna Moneyham, also of Chase, was named Beginning Teacher of the Year. Both were praised for their dedication to students and leadership in the classroom.

From there, the board moved through a packed agenda. Members approved dozens of appointments to local school advisory councils, giving parents and community members a voice in school decision-making. They also adopted a $100.8 million budget for the 2025–26 school year, with most of the funding set aside for salaries and benefits. Federal grants are still pending. WCAB News filed a public records request for the complete board information packet officials discussed; it was not filled by press time. 

Facilities were a major theme of the night. The board approved a full roof replacement at Cliffside Elementary and signed off on major HVAC upgrades at several schools. Much of that work will be covered by state disaster recovery funds and FEMA tied to Hurricane Helene, which devastated Western North Carolina when it hit the area on Sept. 27, 2024. Rutherford County Schools secured approval for six separate projects through that fund—an outcome district leaders called a huge win.

Policy updates also came up. The board adopted new language on student cell phone use, as required by state law, but chose not to ban phones outright. Members also approved a new arts proficiency diploma endorsement, allowing high school students to earn special recognition if they complete four arts courses, maintain a 3.0 GPA, and log 40 hours in arts-related activities.

During public comment, a local pastor raised concerns about bullying and offered for churches to partner more closely with schools to provide extra adult support.

To close the meeting, board members voted to create a new committee to review long-term facility needs. The county’s last master plan was drafted more than a decade ago, and officials said it’s time to revisit future priorities.

The night made clear that while immediate repairs are underway, the board is also looking to the years ahead—balancing recovery, recognition, and readiness for the challenges facing Rutherford County’s schools.