New Hanover County adopts bond order for $320.5 million school referendum, endowment to cut tax impact

New Hanover County commissioners voted June 15 to adopt a bond order and accompanying resolution that will place a $320.5 million general obligation school bond before voters on Nov. 3, 2026. County staff said a community endowment has pledged up to $116 million to reduce the tax impact of the bond.

Eric Credle, presenting the bond proposal, told the board the package would fund multiple projects including a phase of New Hanover High School, a new middle school to serve Trask, a replacement for Mary C. Williams Elementary, a rebuild of Pine Valley Elementary, additions and districtwide equipment and improvements. Credle said the endowment grant reduces the estimated tax increase from about $17.50 per $100,000 in assessed value to $5 per $100,000 and lowers the incremental tax‑rate need by about 71 percent.

Dr. Barnes, superintendent of New Hanover County Schools, described the bond as a districtwide effort to address safety, capacity and modernization. "This bond is about ensuring that every child, regardless of the ZIP code, has access to a safe and supportive learning environment where they can all thrive," Dr. Barnes said.

Speakers who addressed the board during the public hearing included school officials and local business leaders. Pat Bradford, a school board member, outlined the committee process used to develop the plan and emphasized the outreach and fiscal review that guided the proposal. Natalie English, president and CEO of the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, and Megan Mullens, the chamber's chief communications officer, said local businesses support educating voters about the bond's scope and cost.

Commissioners asked staff for more public materials. Chair Leann Pierce and other commissioners directed the county manager and communications staff to publish detailed information on the county website about what specific projects the bond will fund and what voters will see on the ballot.

The board adopted the bond order and accompanying resolution and authorized staff to work with the board of elections to prepare for the referendum. Under the resolution, staff will provide the board of elections with ballot wording and supporting material; if approved by voters, the order authorizes issuance of the bonds in a series and directs required filings and certifications.

The board noted that, if issued, the bonds will be repaid over standard multiyear schedules; presenters said the endowment funds are intended to buy down the tax impact for voters for a defined initial period and to stretch debt capacity. The board will certify results after the referendum, if applicable.