Lee County Schools District allocated a total of $20.7 million from state funds to employee benefits in the 2023-24 school year, according to data gathered by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
This sum represents a 3.7% increase when compared to the $20 million spent the previous year on employee benefits.
Among the various expenditures, the largest expenditure from state funds was $47.4 million for salary, followed by employee benefits on which $20.7 million was spent, and purchased services with $3.1 million. Additionally, expenditures for supplies and materials and capital outlay were $2.2 million and $122,688, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supplies And Materials | $2,047,157 | $2,192,084 | 7.1% |
| Employee Benefits | $19,950,551 | $20,694,342 | 3.7% |
| Salary | $46,736,343 | $47,414,619 | 1.5% |
| Purchased Services | $3,252,428 | $3,078,436 | -5.3% |
| Capital Outlay | $205,528 | $122,688 | -40.3% |
| Other | $4,146 | $130 | -96.9% |
