Each spring, school districts across North Carolina begin the essential work of developing and approving budgets for the upcoming school year—a process that shapes everything from staffing and class sizes to academic programs and student support services. Pitt County Schools, like districts across the state, is navigating a particularly challenging and uncertain funding landscape. Delayed state budget decisions, shifting enrollment patterns, and evolving federal funding conditions all contribute to a more complex planning environment. As the district works to balance these pressures while continuing to meet the needs of students, families, and staff, understanding the broader context behind the budget process is more important than ever.
“Public support is crucial to funding our public schools. Staying informed and engaged builds a stronger, more unified voice that directly benefits our students and staff. The community’s voice shows how much they value strong public schools and understand the importance of adequate funding. Advocating for our public schools ensures our schools have the resources required to help every student thrive.” Dr. Steve M. Lassister, Jr., Superintendent Pitt County Schools
Did you know?
- NC is ranked 50th in the country in funding effort (the amount the state spends on education compared to the State’s GDP
- NC Per Pupil Spending is ranked 49th in the country at $12,193 ($5,660 behind the national average of $17,853)
- NC Average Teacher Pay is $58,292 which ranks 43rd in the country
- State Corporate Tax Cuts are set to go to 0% by 2030 which would deprive the state of much needed funding for public education and other needs in a growing state
- The Legislature is looking to limit property taxes which would hurt local county’s abilities to fund school building, buses and infrastructure
- NC has dramatically expanded the Private School Voucher Program that gives public tax money to private schools that are not required to serve every child and are not required to submit to the same accountability that public schools do
- In 2024-25, NC spent $432.2 Million on private school vouchers and is expected to spend $855 Million annually on vouchers by 2033 while continuing to intentionally underfund public schools
A State Budget Still on Hold
North Carolina is currently the only state that has not passed a budget. The North Carolina General Assembly typically passes a Biennium state budget during the long session in odd‑numbered years, with a July 1 deadline. However, no state budget was passed during the 2025 long session, and lawmakers still have not approved one in 2026.
Because of this delay, the state continues operating under the most recently approved budget from 2023. This has significant implications for school districts that rely on state allotments to determine funding for instructional expenses.
How State Funding Impacts Pitt County Schools
State allotments for the 2026-27 school year are based on the 2023 budget and the final ADM (Average Daily Membership) count from September 2025.
Although PCS enrollment has grown since that count, the state’s formulas do not adjust mid‑year.
As a result:
PCS expects to receive approximately $6 million less in state funding for 2026–27
This is a substantial reduction compared to the 2025–26 school year.
Budget decisions for the upcoming school year must be made in the spring. Even if the General Assembly eventually passes a new budget retroactively, cuts—including instructional and central office positions—will already have been implemented for the upcoming school year.
Budget Timeline for the 2026–27 School Year
January–February
- Early planning and internal discussions begin
March
- District leaders present the recommended budget to the Board of Education
April
- District leaders meet with the County Manager
- Revised budget presented to the Board based on updated state/local information
May
- School board approves the local budget request
- Budget request is formally presented to County Commissioners
May–June
- County Commissioners set tax rates and determine funding levels
Summer
- Final district budget approved once federal, state, and local funds are authorized
How You Can Advocate for Public School Funding
Strong public schools depend on engaged community members. Here are meaningful ways to support PCS during this critical budget season:
1. Attend the County Commissioners Meeting in May
When PCS leaders present the 2026–27 budget request, community presence matters.
Showing up demonstrates that families and residents value strong public schools and understand the importance of adequate funding. **Once the date for that meeting has been determined PPS-PC will communicate the date, time and location of that public meeting.
2. Contact Your State Representatives
Your voice can help keep education a priority. You can:
- Urge lawmakers to pass a state budget
- Advocate for calendar flexibility
- Thank officials who support public schools
Consistent communication makes a difference.
Click HERE for a tool to find and contact your elected representatives.
3. Stay Informed & Spread the Word
Public education is navigating a period of rapid change and increasing challenges, which makes an informed and engaged community more important than ever. When families, educators, and community members stay connected to what’s happening in our schools—and encourage others to do the same—we build a stronger, more unified voice for students and staff.
You play a powerful role in shaping the story of public education. By sharing the successes you see in classrooms, celebrating the achievements of students and educators, and speaking up about the needs of our schools, you help create a positive and accurate narrative about the impact of strong public schools. Your voice helps highlight where support is needed and ensures that schools have the resources required to help every student thrive.
In short, staying informed, staying engaged, and sharing what you know strengthens the entire public school community.
