Reporter – Amelia Aycock – At the August 8th, 2011, VCS School Board meeting, the air seemed thick with irritation at unexpected cuts in funding from the state. Approximately $2 million in promised educational funds have been suddenly reverted as the NC General Assembly struggle to create and approve a feasible budget for the 2011-2012 fiscal year. The losses include cuts to driver’s education, which will now cost Vance County students a $35 fee upon successful completion of the program. Previously, the class has been offered free of charge to all students. Vance County will be expected to pay back the $2 million to the state and create a plan to cover the losses for themselves.
Gloria White seemed to sum up the opinion of the board succinctly. “If they were going to take it back, why’d they send it?”