Public hearing on New Hanover school bond delayed after Endowment funding announcement
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A public hearing on New Hanover County’s proposed school bond referendum was postponed following a newly announced funding partnership between the county, the school district, and the New Hanover Community Endowment.
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners was originally scheduled to hold a public hearing on the proposed $320 million school bond during their meeting on Monday, June 1st. However, county staff recommended delaying the hearing after the Endowment announced last week that it plans to commit up to $116 million over the next 10 years to support school modernization projects.
The funding commitment is contingent upon voter approval of the county’s $320 million school bond referendum, which is expected to appear on the November ballot.
County officials said the postponement will allow time for consideration of the newly established memorandum of understanding between the Endowment and county leaders regarding the proposed investment.
If approved by voters, the bond and Endowment funding would be used to help address facility needs and modernization efforts across New Hanover County Schools.
Residents will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed bond referendum during the Board of Commissioners’ next meeting, scheduled for June 15.
The school bond proposal is expected to remain a major topic of discussion in the coming months as county leaders, school officials and community members weigh the potential impact of the investment on the district’s long-term infrastructure needs.
