Harnett County Schools presents $39.3 million continuation budget and $158 million capital request to board

Harnett County Schools staff on Monday presented the board with an initial draft funding request that combines the district’s continuation budget and expansion asks with a multi‑year capital plan. "The 1st item you see there represents the local county appropriation from the county commissioners for this year, which is $30,804,606," said Mister Cox, walking the board through the handout.

Cox told the board the draft includes a $5,700,000 item for low‑wealth funds the district lost at the state level and that the county has offered one‑time assistance if state support does not materialize. Staff listed current‑expense expansion items totaling $7,307,625 — including a $4,500,000 line to increase certified teacher supplements by 4%, $92,000 for school‑based administrator supplements, an estimated 3% state salary increase pass‑through and $396,000 for health and retirement cost increases — and a $2.3 million request for classified staff salary increases. On capital needs, staff identified approximately $155,000,000 in tier‑1 projects (transportation facility, a new Highland High/CTE campus and other priorities) and additional equipment and vehicle replacement requests, yielding a presented capital outlay total of about $158 million and an overall continuation plus current‑expense figure of about $39.3 million. The board did not vote on the full package and staff said final approval is planned for the May meeting after further review.