Sampson County School officials are ready to approve an amendment for the district’s budget, which includes less funding for technology.

Finance Officer Stephen Britt made a presentation to the board of education during a recent work session. The total amount of revenues and expenditures is more than $74.73 million.

Britt reported that district received state allocations for programs such Career and Technical Education (CTE). Some of the others included Behavior Support for exceptional children and School Connectivity, a program which supports technology efforts in classrooms. In all, state money going towards Sampson Schools is more than $53.97 million.

The local current expense fund surpasses $11.40 million. One of biggest changes is technology funding for the E-Rate program, which helps schools and libraries with affordable broadband. Britt reported that the district received $160,000 less than the previous school year. The amount set for the current fiscal year is $671,787 and is expected to be enough until the end of the schools year.

Britt contacted the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction about the issue and was told that funds come from fines and forfeitures.

“It’s viable from year to year,” Britt said. “They can’t say if we’re going to receive extra funding or not.”

From local funds, the county school system received $1,047 per student, which is a hike of $72. Funds were used to help offset cuts from the state. Money from local funds are going toward utilities and maintenance, administration, driver’s education and staff development.

Federal funding is $2.21 million with money going towards programs to help children with disabilities, improvements for career and technical education and language programs. The capital outlay pot includes more than $1.28 million and child nutrition tops $5.85 million.

Revenues are expected to be used for school operations until June 30,2018.

The budget amendment was scheduled for approval by the Sampson County Schools Board of Education during its monthly meeting on Monday.

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By Chase Jordan

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Reach Chase Jordan at 910-249-4617. Follow us on Twitter at @SampsonInd and like us on Facebook.