ECPPS board adopts $74.5 million budget for 2026–27, requests county support for capital needs

The Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Board of Education unanimously approved the district's 2026–27 budget at its April 27 meeting. The proposed operating and capital budget totals $74,500,000, district staff said.

"The proposed budget tonight is $74,500,000," finance staff stated during the presentation, adding that the plan reflects projected increases in salary and benefit costs and a conservative revenue outlook pending the state budget. The presentation referenced a 3% salary increase for staff, a retirement contribution rate of 25.5 percent, and an assumed hospitalization cost of about $9,000 per employee.

The budget presentation noted the district's enrollment baseline (4,620 students) and described a request to the county for local support. Staff said the district will request roughly $15.8 million from the county—about $12.3 million for current expense and $3.5 million for capital outlay—and that the proposed budget includes a $4.8 million appropriation from fund balance. Capital priorities listed included plumbing and electrical upgrades, fire suppression and alarm panel work, security and intercom upgrades, and track resurfacing at Northeastern High School.

Board members had an opportunity to ask questions; after discussion, a motion was made and seconded, and the board approved the budget by a unanimous show-of-hands vote.

District staff said the budget is a conservative plan pending final state funding decisions and that the capital conditions assessment—needed to finalize the capital budget—was not yet complete and will be included in subsequent planning.