Catawba County Schools District allocated a total of $76.9 million from state funds to salary in the 2023-24 school year, according to data gathered by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
This sum represents a 7.4% increase when compared to the $71.6 million spent the previous year on salary.
Among the various expenditures, the largest expenditure from state funds was $76.9 million for salary, followed by employee benefits on which $35.3 million was spent, and supplies and materials with $4.5 million. Additionally, expenditures for purchased services and capital outlay were $2.7 million and $80,069, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchased Services | $1,897,857 | $2,747,501 | 44.8% |
| Employee Benefits | $32,732,959 | $35,257,369 | 7.7% |
| Salary | $71,629,066 | $76,922,722 | 7.4% |
| Capital Outlay | $75,676 | $80,069 | 5.8% |
| Supplies And Materials | $4,963,599 | $4,473,518 | -9.9% |
| Other | $3,374 | $2,940 | -12.9% |
