The Clinton City Schools Board of Education on May 1 approved a proposed annual funding agreement with Sampson County and the Sampson County Board of Education that would prorate a share of county property and sales tax receipts to the two school districts based on student counts.

Superintendent Wesley Johnson introduced the draft “annual current expense funding agreement,” saying it is intended “to encourage excellence in education, fiscal sustainability, and to create more consistent long range budget planning.” The document proposes that Sampson County provide “25% of the sum of all property tax revenues and all sales tax revenues not otherwise designated by state statute for education received by Sampson County government for the immediately preceding calendar year” and distribute that amount to Sampson County Schools and Clinton City Schools on a pro rata basis determined by student population (the greater of the first two months of enrollment, referenced in the document as “base 1 of 2”). The payments would be made in equal monthly installments beginning July 15 of each year, the draft says.

Interim Sampson County manager Jeff Knudsen told the board that, once adopted by all three governing bodies, the agreement would constrain future county managers from unilaterally reversing the formula because any change would require formal Board of County Commissioners action in open session. “Any county manager that succeeds me, permanently, they would not have the authority to go back on this funding form,” Knudsen said.

Board member Jeremy Edgerton made the motion to approve the agreement; Board member Worley seconded. The board voted “aye,” and the chair announced the motion carried. According to the superintendent’s presentation, the three governing bodies plan a joint appearance at the county commissioners’ meeting Monday to sign the document in a public ceremony.

The draft also states the parties intend the initial term to extend through determination of the fiscal-year 2030–31 budget funding and that the agreement will automatically renew on one-year terms effective July 1, 2030 and each year thereafter unless a party delivers written notice of termination at least five months prior to the July 1 renewal date.

Board members asked few clarifying questions during the presentation and expressed support. The superintendent and county manager said the text allows commissioners to make additional appropriations at their discretion beyond the formula if they choose.

The board did not attach additional conditions in the public discussion; the board and county will present and sign the finalized documents at the county meeting Monday evening.

Ending: The agreement, as presented and approved by the Clinton board, sets a predictable formula for county contributions tied to prior-year tax collections and student counts; final implementation depends on identical approvals and signatures by the Sampson County Board of Commissioners and the Sampson County Board of Education at their upcoming meetings.