Following the county’s 2026-2027 budget decision, Pender County Schools will spend the coming weeks reviewing priorities and determining how to address the remaining current-expense gap.
PCS received a $1.3 million increase in current-expense funding. The district had identified a $4 million increase as the amount needed to maintain current staffing levels and services without adding anything new for the upcoming school year.
That leaves a $2.7 million gap in the operating budget.
District and school leadership will now assess which needs can be funded, delayed, reduced, or addressed through other available resources.
As part of that process, PCS will review vacancies, attrition, reassignment opportunities, operational efficiencies, delayed purchases, and other options that minimize disruption to students and schools.
The goal remains to protect students and classrooms. That means prioritizing classroom instruction, school safety, and the core operations necessary to serve students, while limiting increases to class sizes where possible.
No final decisions have been made regarding specific reductions. PCS recognizes that uncertainty creates concern for employees, families, and the community. The district will communicate as clearly and responsibly as possible as decisions are made.