Union County’s deferred school bond request comes as North Carolina districts report almost $18 billion in five-year facility needs.
The N.C. Department of Public Instruction’s Nov. 4 facilities report estimates $17.96 billion in needs for fiscal 2027–2031. That is an increase of about 37.5% from the previous survey.
The report compiles districts’ projections. It is an assessment of needs, rather than an appropriation or a list of fully funded projects.
Union County’s request remains deferred
Commissioners deferred the district’s proposed bond referendum in April, WSOC-TV reported. School leaders planned to revisit it in 2028 to avoid immediate tax impacts.
The Union County Public Schools request totaled $173,259,570. Most of it — about $158.7 million — was for construction at Parkwood High.
It also included about $3.9 million for Piedmont Middle design and pre-construction. Another $5.6 million was for an addition at Wolfe School.
Contingency and management accounted for roughly $5 million. Those amounts describe the original request, rather than an approved new bond.
Renovations drive statewide needs
DPI’s survey covers all 115 traditional school districts. Renovations account for about 54% of the projected costs.
The report includes 88 proposed new schools. Its baseline construction estimate rose to $350 per square foot from $250 in the previous cycle.
DPI cautions that future construction-cost increases, supply-chain disruptions and tariff uncertainty cannot be factored into the estimates. Projects already funded and under design or construction are excluded.
Tax-limit details remain unresolved
Unofficial state election results show voters approved the property-tax levy amendment Nov. 3.
The amendment requires implementing legislation and does not specify a numerical cap. Its effect on Union County’s future school financing cannot be determined from the amendment alone.
