The Endowment announces $116 million commitment for New Hanover County Schools improvements

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY)– A significant boost could soon be coming to New Hanover County Schools, as a newly announced grant aims to help address ongoing challenges across local campuses.

Applause filled the New Hanover County Government Center Thursday as leaders announced a major investment aimed at transforming New Hanover County Schools over the next decade.

The Endowment CEO Sophie Dagenais announced the organization is proposing a $116 million grant to support the county’s planned $320 million school bond initiative.

“On behalf of The Endowment, I am proud to announce a proposed grant of $116 million over the next ten years,” Dagenais said during Thursday’s announcement.

The funding, however, comes with a condition: voters must approve the county’s $320 million bond referendum in November.

School leaders say the combined funding would help address longstanding issues across the district, including aging infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms, technology needs, and school safety improvements.

New Hanover County Schools Superintendent Dr. Chris Barnes said The Endowment’s support could help ease the burden on taxpayers while improving the bond’s chances of passing.

“Having The Endowment step in and help defray the cost to taxpayers, I think will help ensure the bond has a greater chance to pass,” Barnes said.

Barnes added that the investment could also help provide additional support and resources for teachers while modernizing outdated school facilities.

Schools throughout the county have faced ongoing concerns involving maintenance issues and growing student populations. County Commissioner Rob Zapple said the proposal would support projects across multiple schools, including expanding elementary campuses.

“One of the projects will add eight new classrooms to Porters Neck Elementary School,” Zapple said. “We know from parents there the school filled up very quickly after opening.”

According to county leaders, the agreement between The Endowment and New Hanover County also prioritizes a review of student population growth and facility use, kindergarten readiness assessments, school safety enhancements, and technology upgrades.

New Hanover County Board of Commissioners Chair LeAnn Pierce called the announcement an example of the type of impact residents hoped to see.

“This is exactly what our citizens wanted to see whenever the hospital was sold and The Endowment was created,” Pierce said. “This is exactly the kind of thing it can bring to the community.”

If New Hanover County voters approve the bond this November, officials say work on the improvement projects could begin as early as 2028.