The Polk County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a $750,000 one-time funding request Monday to help Polk County Schools stabilize its operating budget and replenish its fund balance.
The district requested the emergency funding at the commissioners’ regular monthly meeting at the Womack Justice & Administration Building, citing rising operational costs, delayed reimbursements and ongoing financial pressures amid statewide budget uncertainty.
Polk County Schools faces significant budget challenges as the North Carolina General Assembly failed to agree on a full budget for the 2025-27 fiscal period before it began July 1, leaving districts across the state without clear funding guidance.
Despite the financial pressures, the district has maintained its reputation as one of the state’s top-performing school systems while practicing fiscal responsibility for many years. To address budget constraints, Polk County Schools has tightened spending and made staffing adjustments, including trimming 10 positions — eight teachers and two teacher assistants — from last year to this year.
“I want to acknowledge the importance of the partnership that we do have,” said Polk County Schools Superintendent Todd Murphy. “We are able to deliver a high quality of education to our students. We have dedicated staff and teachers, but it takes all of us to do that.”
The district faces multiple cost pressures, including increasing salaries needed to stay competitive with other districts, rising benefit costs and compensation requirements. Student transportation expenses continue to climb as the district buses students to all rural parts of the county.
Exceptional Children’s services present another financial challenge, with the district currently experiencing a six percent shortfall in state funding needed to run programs for Polk County students.
The community has identified small class sizes as its top priority, requiring the district to maintain current teacher-to-student ratios of roughly 1:16 in elementary schools and 1:20 at middle school and high school levels. This commitment to small classes necessitates maintaining teaching positions despite budget pressures.
Murphy emphasized that the funding request focuses on sustaining current services rather than expanding programs. The district allocates 86 percent of its budget to personnel costs, reflecting its philosophy of investing in people over programs.
“We believe high-quality teachers in classrooms with children make a difference,” Murphy said.
Commissioner Myron Yoder expressed support for the funding request, acknowledging the district’s impact on local families.
“The investment is very important,” Yoder said. “I see that coming back to us. It has come back to our family in a big way. You have prepared my children to meet that outside world, and it’s tough out there, so I just want to thank you very much for that.”
“I want to sincerely thank the Polk County Board of Commissioners for their continued financial support of Polk County Schools,” Murphy said. “Your investment in our students, staff and schools makes a meaningful difference and reflects a strong commitment to public education. We’re grateful for your partnership and dedication to the future of Polk County.”
