# Buncombe County Schools Board of Education Special Called Meeting - 4/30/26 **Body:** Buncombe County Schools — Buncombe County Schools Board of Education **Date:** April 29, 2026 8:00 PM EDT (2026-04-29T20:00:00-04:00) **Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2776 ## Summary On April 30, 2026, the Buncombe County Schools Board of Education held a Special Called Meeting to address several critical issues facing our school system. The meeting, which ran longer than initially planned, focused on the impact of statewide changes like the Opportunity Scholarship program, addressing pressing facilities needs, understanding student experiences within our schools, and ensuring a sustainable long-term maintenance plan. This recap summarizes the key discussions, decisions (although few formal votes were taken), and next steps for residents. **The Growing Impact of Opportunity Scholarships & Shifting Enrollment:** A major focus was the rapidly expanding Opportunity Scholarship program, a state-funded voucher system. The number of students participating has significantly increased, raising concerns about its impact on Buncombe County Schools’ enrollment and funding. Data shows a decline of 585 students overall, with specific schools like Inka High, Irwin High, Kuntz, and Roberson experiencing the most significant losses. This is occurring alongside shifting residential growth patterns within the county, further complicating enrollment projections. The Board acknowledged that schools like Oakley and W.D. Williams are nearing capacity, highlighting the need for proactive planning. To better understand these trends, a third-party study (ORED) is underway and will be presented on May 7th. A particular area of concern is the declining enrollment in sixth grade within the Glen Arden/King Creek feeder pattern, prompting discussion about potential solutions like intermediate schools. The Board agreed to transition to a six-year average for enrollment projections and will delve deeper into the reasons behind this sixth-grade decline, requesting data clarification on transfer trends. *This matters to residents because declining enrollment directly impacts school funding and potentially affects the quality of education our children receive.* **Addressing Aging Facilities & Budgetary Challenges:** The Board received a detailed presentation outlining the district’s significant facilities needs, including a substantial backlog of repairs and modernization projects. A phased $54 million request to the County for W.D. Williams Middle School was discussed, with a potential November bond referendum identified as a long-term funding solution. The district’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year was also reviewed, revealing potential challenges related to EC AssistNet funding and athletic coaching stipends. The Board will continue reviewing budget information in preparation for a decision at the May meeting, with the approved capital outlay budget needing County Commissioner approval on June 2nd. Discussions also centered around modifying Board Policy 8100 to provide greater financial flexibility and seeking competitive bids for property insurance services. *This is important because it directly affects the condition of our school buildings, impacting student safety and learning environments.* **Supporting Exceptional Children: Considering Increased Assistant Hours:** A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a proposal to increase Exceptional Children (EC) instructional assistant hours from 7 to 8 per day. This change, estimated to cost $900,000, would provide crucial support for students with special needs. The Board is exploring funding options like FlexiBuild and contingency funds, and Human Resources will survey affected staff (bus drivers, Transportation Security Assistants, substitutes) to gauge their interest in transitioning to EC assistant roles. *This proposal aims to provide better support for our most vulnerable students, ensuring they receive the individualized attention they need.* **Community Voices & What’s Next:** Public comments were limited, but a parent passionately advocated for increasing EC assistant hours, highlighting the vital role these assistants play in supporting their children. **Key Action Items & Upcoming Dates:** The Board has several key tasks ahead: * **May 7th:** Presentation of the ORED school capacity and enrollment study. * **May Meeting:** Further review of the proposed budget. * **June 2nd:** Presentation of the approved capital outlay budget to County Commissioners. * **Ongoing Monitoring:** Continued tracking of enrollment trends, facility needs, and the impact of state policies. * **Data Review:** Expect to see data clarification sheets on transfer trends, cohort survival rates and reasons for transfers. * **Policy Review:** The Board will review options to modify Board Policy 8100. * **Staff Survey:** Human Resources will conduct a survey to assess interest in EC assistant roles. * **Allotment Manual Review:** Board members are required to review the Allotment Manual. The Buncombe County Schools Board of Education is facing a period of significant change and challenges. The decisions made, and the actions taken in the coming months will have a lasting impact on our schools, students, and community. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about these developments and participate in upcoming meetings and discussions. ## Video & Transcript - Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cr0Qvl7v0go - Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1933/segments ## Sources - [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cr0Qvl7v0go)