Lenoir County Public Schools District allocated a total of $20.3 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 5.7% increase when compared to the $19.2 million spent the previous year on employee benefits.
Among the various expenditures, the largest expenditure from state funds was $44 million for salary, followed by employee benefits on which $20.3 million was spent, and purchased services with $2.6 million. Additionally, expenditures for supplies and materials were $2.3 million.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchased Services | $2,266,499 | $2,604,950 | 14.9% |
| Employee Benefits | $19,182,125 | $20,280,336 | 5.7% |
| Salary | $42,028,287 | $43,972,182 | 4.6% |
| Supplies And Materials | $2,251,584 | $2,276,662 | 1.1% |
