New Hanover Community Endowment answers public’s questions on education, housing and arts funding

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The New Hanover Community Endowment held its semiannual public meeting Wednesday evening, providing residents an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the organization’s work, including a recently announced proposal that could provide significant funding for local schools.

The meeting came less than a week after the endowment unveiled a proposed $116 million grant that would be distributed over the next 10 years to support modernization and improvement projects across New Hanover County Schools.

The funding proposal is contingent upon voters approving the school district’s $320 million bond referendum in November.

Several members of the public raised questions about the proposed grant during the meeting’s question-and-answer session. Members of the New Hanover County Board of Education and district leadership also addressed the proposal.

School board member Dr. Tim Merrick and Superintendent Dr. Christopher Barnes briefly spoke during the meeting, expressing appreciation for the endowment’s commitment to supporting the district’s facilities needs.

Endowment President and Chief Executive Officer Sophie Dagenais said the proposed funding would provide benefits beyond the school system by helping the county manage multiple large-scale infrastructure investments.

“When the county issues these bonds, it will be paying on two debt loads. For most of us, that’s like having two mortgages,” Dagenais said. “And so what we are doing is enabling the county to afford that debt load. And therefore, the $116 million is helping the county get out there, put more money into infrastructure, don’t delay because you still have that first mortgage to pay.”

The proposed grant would help offset the financial burden associated with major capital projects, Dagenais said, allowing county leaders to continue investing in infrastructure while addressing school facility needs.

In addition to the school funding proposal, community members asked questions about efforts to address food insecurity on Wilmington’s Northside, support for the performing arts and housing-related issues.

The New Hanover Community Endowment hosts public meetings twice each year as part of its efforts to provide transparency and engage with residents about its grantmaking priorities and initiatives.