Many protesters held signs and chanted as they pressed for what they described as essential school funding.
"The county and the superintendent need to be able to see just how important it is to fund the schools appropriately," Wake County teacher Jessica Boone said. "Asking for less money than they've ever asked for in the last four years is just not acceptable in the time of crisis that we're in."
Inside the boardroom, Wake County Schools Superintendent Robert Taylor presented a $2.3 billion operating budget that includes a request for $768 million from the Wake County Board of Commissioners -- a $25 million increase from last year. Taylor said the district is facing a new financial reality.
"The financial landscape is vastly different from a few short years ago, and this local budget represents changes based on funding uncertainty but is real," Taylor said.
The proposal includes $5.2 million in cuts so far, including $2.5 million from the district's transportation budget and $2.2 million from elementary literacy coaches. Taylor acknowledged the strain on educators.
"I do recognize that regardless of what we do, teachers are asked to do more, and that is something that deeply concerns us all," he said.
One teacher speaking during the meeting echoed that concern, saying, "Teachers are being asked to do what we're currently struggling to do with less support in our schools."
Taylor said allocations for special education programs will remain intact after families objected to potential cuts two weeks earlier. He said the district's special education population is supported by a budget of more than $307 million, not including transportation.
Christina Cole, president of the Wake County chapter of the North Carolina Association of Educators, said the reassurance on special education funding does not eliminate broader concerns.
"And though there has been a promise to maintain special education in this budget, it's clear there will be cuts elsewhere," Cole said. "Alternative budget reduction options will undoubtedly impact student learning conditions regardless of the department."
The proposal marks the beginning of the budget process. A public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday at Holly Grove Middle School in Holly Springs from 6 to 8 p.m.
On April 21, staff members are expected to present alternative reduction options during a school board work session aimed at removing changes to special education funding. Another public hearing will follow during the board meeting that same day.
The final budget is set to go before the Wake County Board of Commissioners on May 15. Parents say they plan to remain engaged as the district determines where cuts will fall.
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"Parents are concerned about major cuts this year, especially knowing where we are with the state and the state's funding," said Marie Dexter, president of the Wake County PTA Council. "If you know that we're headed toward a fiscal cliff."
"I think all parents are concerned about major cuts this year," said Marie Dexter, president of the Wake County PTA.
Parents and educators said even with special education funding no longer on the chopping block, they remain concerned about potential reductions elsewhere. Many said cuts are the last thing schools need.
"What we really want to say, loud and clear, is don't cut special ed and don't cut anything else, because those are resources that our students and staff need," said Cole.
Cole said the lack of a state budget has added uncertainty for districts across North Carolina. She said lawmakers have yet to provide guidance that school leaders rely on.
"Of course, the state hasn't done their job. There's no budget right now," Cole said.
In a one-on-one interview with ABC11 last month, Taylor said he hoped lawmakers would prioritize education when a budget is finalized. He said state investments are critical for districts like Wake County.
"When they pass that budget, we want them to think about education and the investments that are needed," Taylor said.
District leaders also discussed a proposed bond referendum that could appear on the November ballot. If approved, it would raise money for facilities maintenance across the district.