School District Receives $4M Budget Increase for Employee Raises and Safety Improvements

New Hanover County Schools is poised to receive a significant boost in funding, with the anticipated release of $1.6 million in federal funds. During the Board of Education meeting on August 5, 2025, officials confirmed that the state has received the federal funding and expects to distribute it shortly. This funding is crucial for the district, particularly as it navigates budgetary challenges and seeks to enhance teacher salaries and school safety.

The state has approved a mini budget that includes a 1% salary increase for certified staff, which will also extend to classified staff. This increase, while modest, is part of a broader effort to address employee compensation amidst ongoing financial constraints. Additionally, the county commissioners have increased the district's operating budget by $4 million, specifically to support employee raises and improve safety measures in high schools.

However, the district faces challenges in maintaining its pre-kindergarten programs, which have seen cuts amounting to $960,000. To address this, officials are exploring strategies to make pre-k more financially viable, including increasing class sizes and seeking certification for additional pre-k sites. The district is also considering delaying requests for further funding from county commissioners until it has a clearer picture of its financial situation.

Board members expressed concern over the potential loss of school nurses and the impact of budget cuts on early childhood education. There is a strong sentiment among educators that early intervention is critical for young learners, and the board is committed to finding solutions that prioritize student needs while ensuring fiscal responsibility.

As the district awaits the final allocation of federal funds and continues to assess its budget, officials remain focused on minimizing cuts and maximizing resources to support both staff and students. The next steps will involve careful monitoring of enrollment numbers and ongoing discussions with county commissioners to secure necessary funding for essential programs.