— A message from Superintendent Samuel A. DePaul, Ph.D. —

Winter Update/February 10, 2012

As we enter February, we have begun the second semester of the 2011-2012 school year and are on our way to spring, the Easter break, and graduation. If you have been following our recent Board of Education meetings, you will know that there are a few significant happenings; we are into the 2012-2013 budget preparation, mobile units will be moved to the West Stanly Middle School site to accommodate the rising 2012-2013 sixth graders, and Ridgecrest School is again the focus of possible closing.

During the last three years, 2010-2011, 2009-2010, 2008-2009, the school district lost approximately 9.6 million dollars. Where as in the 2008-2009 school year our budget was $80,697,653; presently, it is $71,111,126. As I indicated in prior comments, the bulk of our funding comes from the state, the next source is from the county, and there are miscellaneous funds from the federal government.  As we moved through the last few school years, several unfortunate cost cutting measures enabled us to survive for lack of better terms; thus enabling us to keep our focus on teachers and their classrooms. My point being is, our class sizes have remained constant during the last few years in light of the reductions mentioned above. Unfortunately however, three schools have closed (New London Choice Middle, North Albemarle Elementary, and the West Main building which housed Stanly Academy); a retirement incentive package last year yielded 1.2 million dollars in savings; and many cuts to both certified and non-certified personnel have occurred.  We have 37 less positions presently, than we did last school year.

Regardless of the cuts and consolidations referenced above, in addition to optimal class sizes, Stanly County Schools continues to be committed to our vision which is ensuring success for every student while improving the quality of life for our community in an ever changing world.

Finally, moving forward into the spring and end of this school year, the Board of Education’s primary focus will be on our Vision and the 2012-2013 school budget process and preparation.  And most of all, thank you for your continued support of our outstanding school system. As always, please feel free to contact me at 704-983-5151 or email at samuel.depaul@stanlycountyschools.org.


Sincerely,

Samuel A. DePaul, Ph.D.
Superintendent