The North Carolina General Assembly is considering various options to change funding for Driver’s Education in the state. In the past, school districts were provided with a state allocation to cover the cost of automobiles, course materials, driver’s education classes and “in car” driving time with a certified instructor.
“At this time, it is unclear what the General Assembly will do about funding driver’s education,” said Bill Nolte, associate superintendent. “The General Assembly is considering several actions that range from less funding to no funding at all.”
Haywood County Schools typically receives $126,889 to fund driver’s education for approximately 520 teenagers each year. The funding pays for purchase, insurance and maintenance of vehicles. The funds also cover fuel and inspections as well as course materials and instructor pay.
“With the uncertainty of state funding, we plan to finish the students who are currently participating in our driver’s training program,” said Bill Nolte. “This will take us through the end of the fiscal year which is June 30. Any driver’s education provided by the school district after June 30, 2015 will depend on the General Assembly providing the funding.”
Contact: Dr. Bill Nolte, Associate Superintendent