Title
Receive updated information on the Chatham County Schools charter school reimbursement request
Abstract
Introduction & Background: Chatham County Schools has requested an additional (reimbursement) allocation from the County due to actual numbers of charter school student enrollment exceeding budget projections for FY22-23 through FY24-25.
Discussion & Analysis: Each year, Chatham County Schools estimates the total number of Chatham County generated students that will attend charter schools in the following school (and fiscal) year. For the years from FY22-23 through FY24-25, the schools systems estimated costs were significantly lower than the actual costs (determined after the approval of that fiscal year’s budget after the school/academic year has started). The school system has been funding these additional costs using undesignated fund balance, which has had a negative impact on the district’s undesignated fund balance. Chatham County Schools are requesting $1,423,575.81 from Chatham County to cover these overages. When this request was first presented to the Board of County Commissioners, both the school system and county were in the process of completing their respective FY2025 audits. At this time, those audits have been completed and the County has confirmation of the amount of potentially available fund balance.
How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan: This request furthers the Comprehensive Plan goal “Provide equitable access to high-quality education, housing, and community options for all”.
Budgetary Impact: The reimbursement request that has been made by Chatham County Schools has a total impact of $1,423,575.81. These funds have not been budgeted previously and would require a budget amendment by the Board of Commissioners.
Recommendation/Motion: Receive an updated presentation on the Chatham County Schools charter school reimbursement request and provide direction on how to proceed to staff.