Johnston County schools propose $114 million local budget as federal ESSER funding ends and state low-wealth aid remains volatile

Johnston County Public Schools leaders on Tuesday presented Superintendent Dr. Bracey’s proposed 2025–26 budget, asking county commissioners for $114,082,706 in local current-expense funding and a separate $10.9 million capital request to cover curriculum purchases, utilities, facility needs and other costs.

The proposal comes as federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds expire and state “low-wealth” funding shows volatile swings tied to recent property revaluations. “None of these academic successes would be possible without the generous support of our board of commissioners,” Dr. Bracey said while outlining the district’s academic gains and budget priorities.

Why it matters: The district says the funding shift will force more recurring local dollars to cover salaries, contracted services and utilities. Superintendent leadership and finance staff told the school board the district expects to operate with roughly $18.5 million less in total revenue next year because federal grant dollars are dropping and capital and operating demands remain.

Key numbers and drivers - Local current-expense request: $114,082,706 (a $10,082,706 increase over the current local funding level). This is the district’s formal request to the county for operating funds. - Capital request: $10,900,000 (one-time items and planned capital projects, including HVAC work and a small safety package for bus cameras and vestibules). - Total district budget (all funds) projected to fall from about $483 million this year to about $465 million next year due primarily to federal ESSER reductions. - Fund balance: the district finished the prior year near $13 million and currently projects between $12.5 million and $14.5 million for the coming year. - Utilities: district utility costs were described as roughly $9 million this year and are expected to approach…