The Gaston County Board of Education on Nov. 17 approved its 2025–26 budget resolution totaling $461,700,000 and authorized a 3.5% November bonus for eligible classified hourly employees.

Gary Hoskins, the district finance officer, told the board the budget reflects about $461.7 million in both revenues and expenditures and ties lines to the district’s strategic priorities. "It's $461,700,000 and you can see about 48% of that comes from the state," Hoskins said during his presentation. He noted the district’s average daily membership rose by 688 students to about 30,616, which affects several state allotments.

Hoskins flagged two major pressures: a $7.2 million reduction in the state's low-wealth supplemental funding and a $924,000 net reduction in state funding despite higher enrollment. He also highlighted a $120 million capital outlay line driven largely by last year’s county bond issuance. "That number will start to decrease as we use those bond dollars," he said.

Board members asked about how local county appropriations are allocated to charter schools. Hoskins explained the county appropriation is roughly $54 million but a pro rata share (about $6.8 million) is remitted monthly to charter schools based on student rosters, and the state sends some charter funding directly to those schools.

After discussion the board moved to approve the budget resolution and, in a subsequent vote, approved the classified employee bonus. The bonus—budgeted at roughly $1,400,000—will be paid Nov. 21 to employees who meet three criteria: employed by Gaston County Schools on June 2, 2025; working at least 50% time; and permanent GCS employees. Hoskins said payments will be subject to FICA, retirement and income taxes and will be prorated for part-time employees.

Votes at a glance: the board approved the budget resolution and the classified bonus during the meeting (motions and approval recorded in the minutes).

What's next: Hoskins and district staff will proceed with implementation of the budget and payroll actions; the board will monitor state and federal funding developments that may affect next year’s revenues.

(Reporting notes: budget figures and procedural details are drawn from the district presentation and board discussion on Nov. 17.)