Duplin County Schools District allocated a total of $22.6 million from state funds to employee benefits in the 2023-24 school year, according to data gathered by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
This sum represents a 6.6% increase when compared to the $21.2 million spent the previous year on employee benefits.
Among the various expenditures, the largest expenditure from state funds was $50.8 million for salary, followed by employee benefits on which $22.6 million was spent, and supplies and materials with $3.9 million. Additionally, expenditures for purchased services and capital outlay were $2.7 million and $46,913, respectively.
Despite steady enrollment, North Carolina schools continue to face significant funding challenges. The state’s per-student spending remains nearly $5,000 below the national average, limiting resources for teachers, classrooms, and student support programs. In fact, North Carolina ranks 48th out of 50 states in per-student funding (after adjusting for regional costs).
| Category | Spending in 2022-23 | Spending in 2023-24 | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supplies And Materials | $3,023,242 | $3,930,814 | 30% |
| Employee Benefits | $21,235,891 | $22,630,059 | 6.6% |
| Salary | $47,718,379 | $50,840,814 | 6.5% |
| Purchased Services | $3,973,914 | $2,740,837 | -31% |
| Capital Outlay | $108,725 | $46,913 | -56.9% |
| Other | — | $20,460 | — |
