Chatham County Schools
At the April 13, 2026 meeting of the Chatham County Board of Education, the Board passed two resolutions related to school funding and legislative advocacy. These items reflect ongoing concerns about the stability of school funding, the importance of local decision-making, and the need to support students and educators across our district.
1. Resolution Urging Timely Passage of the State Budget
The Board adopted a resolution urging the North Carolina General Assembly to pass a state budget as soon as possible. As noted in the resolution, North Carolina is currently operating without an enacted budget, creating uncertainty for school districts trying to plan staffing, compensation, and programs for students. At the same time, the resolution advocates for:
Competitive pay
Increased school funding
Improved support services for students
The resolution emphasizes that nearly half of Chatham County Schools’ funding—about 48.8%—comes from the state, making timely budget decisions critical for local planning and operations. The Board reaffirmed its commitment to strong public schools and called for collaborative, responsible funding decisions at the state level.
2. Resolution Opposing Limits on County Property Tax Authority
The Board also adopted a resolution opposing proposed changes that would limit county property tax authority, citing concerns about reduced local flexibility and potential impacts on essential public services.
Property taxes are the primary local funding source for public services including education. The Board expressed concern that restricting this authority could reduce flexibility for counties to respond to changing needs, population growth, and rising costs.
The resolution warns that limiting local tax authority could lead to:
Reduced services
Delayed infrastructure investments
Increased reliance on less stable revenue sources
Ultimately, the Board formally opposed any constitutional or legislative changes that would cap or restrict counties’ ability to manage property tax rates locally.