Work Session (Dec 1, 2025)

Asheville City Schools Board of Education Meeting Recap - December 1, 2025

On December 1st, the Asheville City Schools Board of Education held a work session focused on equity initiatives and laying the groundwork for upcoming budget decisions. While attendance was smaller than usual due to illness, significant discussions and steps were taken that will shape the district's future. This recap breaks down what happened, why it matters, and what to expect next.

A Renewed Commitment to Equity & Transparency: The meeting began with a clear reaffirmation of Asheville City Schools' dedication to equity and anti-racist practices for all students and staff. The board introduced a "Courageous Conversations" protocol, designed to foster open dialogue and address harm through repair and centering racial equity in all decisions. This signals a commitment to modeling these values within the board itself, which is an important step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable school system.

Funding Formula Under Review – What's at Stake? A major focus of the meeting was a proposed funding formula from Buncombe County Commissioners. Currently, Asheville City Schools receives approximately 37.76% of county tax revenue to support its operations, with adjustments based on student enrollment. The proposed agreement aims for greater financial stability by introducing a mechanism that would allow the percentage to adjust (up to 2% increase or decrease) based on changes in student population. Importantly, funds designated for capital expenditures (Articles 39, 40 & 42) will be kept separate from the general operating budget. While there was some initial confusion regarding the technical details of how these adjustments would be calculated, the board emphasized that this is a draft open to public input and requested clarification from the finance team on these points. Why this matters: This new formula has the potential to provide more predictable funding for our schools, ensuring that resources are aligned with student needs.

Shaping the Future of Asheville City Schools: Mission & Values Beyond budget discussions, the board continued refining a new mission statement, vision statement, and core values for Asheville City Schools. Feedback from a recent survey was shared, highlighting areas where the draft mission statements resonated with the community and identifying opportunities for improvement. This ongoing process aims to clearly define what Asheville City Schools stands for, guiding decision-making and shaping the student experience.

What Happens Next? Several key action items emerged from this work session:

• Maggie (ACS Staff) will draft updated language for the funding formula based on board feedback and present it again in January.
• Heidi (ACS Finance) will provide clarification on the "basis point" calculation and other technical aspects of the funding formula.
• Board Members will continue engaging in "Courageous Conversations" to integrate equity principles into all decision-making.
• Public Engagement: The board is actively seeking public comment on the proposed funding formula and other key issues. Residents are encouraged to attend future meetings or provide feedback through established channels (details on the school district website).

Looking Ahead: The next regular Board of Education meeting is scheduled for December 8th. Mark your calendars and stay informed! The full schedule of meetings, along with supporting documents, can be found at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1F2AXtgjElL8k6-9jFt6v9XUScAFxO-dQd0SBsdn5hTY/edit?usp=sharing. The decisions made during this work session, particularly regarding the funding formula and equity initiatives, will have a direct impact on our students, teachers, and schools for years to come. Your voice matters – get involved in shaping the future of Asheville City Schools!