Scotland County Schools District allocated a total of $31.5 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 4.9% increase when compared to the $30.1 million spent the previous year on salary.
Among the various expenditures, the largest expenditure from state funds was $31.5 million for salary, followed by employee benefits on which $13.7 million was spent, and purchased services with $2.3 million. Additionally, expenditures for supplies and materials and capital outlay were $1.3 million and $31,350, 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 | $2,011 | $31,350 | 1,458.9% |
| Employee Benefits | $12,661,619 | $13,729,736 | 8.4% |
| Salary | $30,070,317 | $31,536,178 | 4.9% |
| Purchased Services | $2,376,217 | $2,295,891 | -3.4% |
| Supplies And Materials | $2,214,801 | $1,313,290 | -40.7% |
