Caldwell County Schools District allocated a total of $26.2 million from state funds to employee benefits in the 2023-24 school year, according to data gathered by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
This sum represents a 2.5% increase when compared to the $25.6 million spent the previous year on employee benefits.
Among the various expenditures, the largest expenditure from state funds was $56.9 million for salary, followed by employee benefits on which $26.2 million was spent, and supplies and materials with $2.2 million. Additionally, expenditures for purchased services and capital outlay were $2 million and $17,192, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other | $1,303 | $1,864 | 43.1% |
| Purchased Services | $1,679,813 | $1,967,833 | 17.1% |
| Salary | $55,416,546 | $56,889,076 | 2.7% |
| Employee Benefits | $25,574,453 | $26,205,737 | 2.5% |
| Supplies And Materials | $3,388,063 | $2,158,749 | -36.3% |
| Capital Outlay | $143,727 | $17,192 | -88% |
