Onslow Board adopts resolution urging state to fully fund exceptional children under PRC 0032

The Onslow County Board of Education voted to adopt a resolution urging the North Carolina General Assembly and the Department of Public Instruction to revise PRC 0032 so funding for students with disabilities reflects actual enrollment rather than a percentage cap.

The resolution, introduced by board members and presented by leadership, says Onslow County Schools (OCS) has an average daily membership of 27,141 students and 4,899 school‑aged students identified as exceptional children — more than 18% of the district’s enrollment and well above the state’s 13% funding cap. Under current PRC 0032 calculations, OCS staff told the board that 1,371 eligible EC students are not funded by the state for the 2025–26 school year, creating an estimated shortfall of about $7.6 million.

Board members framed the resolution as a request for legislative and administrative change. The resolution asks the General Assembly to revise PRC 0032 to reflect actual EC enrollment and service needs, requests that the Department of Public Instruction pursue supplemental funding or relief for districts with above‑average EC populations, and commits the board to advocate alongside families and other districts for more equitable funding.

Board members who spoke in support emphasized the local consequences of the funding cap. “Revising PRC 0032 to reflect actual enrollment and service needs is essential to ensure every child has access to a free and appropriate education,” said Miss Todd, who led the effort. Miss Long described the cap as creating an undue reliance on local taxpayers and said adequate state funding would allow the district to provide more comprehensive services.

The board adopted the resolution by voice vote; the transcript records the motion, a second, an affirmative “Aye,” and the chair’s declaration that the motion carried. The record did not include a roll‑call tally or names tied to each recorded vote in the transcript.

The resolution notes that PRC 0032 currently uses a per‑funded‑child amount of $5,593.34 and that the district previously began work on the item about two months earlier. It asks state leaders to acknowledge the fiscal impact of the cap, provide clearer and supplemental funding paths for districts like Onslow, and pledges continued local support for EC students while the district pursues legislative change.

The board’s action is a formal policy position and advocacy request; it does not itself change state funding. Implementation of the board’s central request would require action by the North Carolina General Assembly and the Department of Public Instruction.