Burke County Schools District allocated a total of $2.5 million from state funds to supplies and materials in the 2023-24 school year, according to data gathered by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
This sum represents a 25.5% decrease when compared to the $3.4 million spent the previous year on supplies and materials.
Among the various expenditures, the largest expenditure from state funds was $60.8 million for salary, followed by employee benefits on which $28 million was spent, and supplies and materials with $2.5 million. Additionally, expenditures for purchased services and capital outlay were $1.3 million and $16,809, respectively.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capital Outlay | $5,292 | $16,809 | 217.6% |
| Employee Benefits | $27,210,151 | $27,990,505 | 2.9% |
| Salary | $59,530,095 | $60,833,182 | 2.2% |
| Supplies And Materials | $3,415,685 | $2,542,978 | -25.5% |
| Purchased Services | $2,060,432 | $1,324,550 | -35.7% |
| Other | $8,207 | $4,058 | -50.6% |
