Brunswick County school bond passed with roughly 50 percent of voters

BRUNSWICK COUNTY (WWAY) — Brunswick County residents decide to authorize a $349 million bond referendum for its school system.

According to the North Carolina Board of Elections poll results, with 27 of 27 precincts reported, the school bond passed with 54.95% of the vote.

From Leland Middle School to North Brunswick High School, the school bond would provide funding for much-needed infrastructure improvements and help address a growing student population in one of North Carolina’s largest growing counties.

The bond also includes $83 million for a new elementary school and $234 million for a new high school.

The bond had many residents concerned, saying it would increase their property tax.

Chairman of the Brunswick County Republican Party, Mike Toohey, says that wouldn’t happen due to the influx of people moving into Brunswick County.

“In reality, the last bond was retired without increasing property taxes because growth funded the new construction and retired the bond without increasing property taxes,” said Toohey.

Toohey also says the bond would help the current elementary schools that are operating at 93% capacity, with several already over capacity and projected to exceed 100% capacity in the next decade.