Proposed bond would fund half of New Hanover school needs

New Hanover County Schools in Wilmington, North Carolina, proposed a $320.5 million bond for November 2025 ballots to fund half of its $687 million infrastructure needs, including school replacements and renovations, with $116 million from the New Hanover Community Endowment reducing taxpayer burden. The bond excludes projects like a $50 million Isaac Bear Early College facility and full renovations at New Hanover High School, with some repairs already funded through the 2025 fiscal budget." "article": "New Hanover County Schools in Wilmington, North Carolina, has proposed a $320.5 million bond for voter approval in November 2025 to address critical infrastructure needs. The bond would cover nearly half of the district’s $687 million total requirements, including replacements, expansions, and renovations across multiple schools. A $116 million contribution from the New Hanover Community Endowment will offset taxpayer costs, reducing the levy from 1.75 cents to one-half cent per $100 valuation. The bond prioritizes eight projects but excludes high-cost initiatives like a $50 million facility for Isaac Bear Early College, which operates in modular units on UNC Wilmington’s campus. The district cited immediate needs elsewhere and the expiration of its land agreement with UNCW in June 2027 as key factors. Renovations at New Hanover High School are partially funded, with the first phase of a $230 million hybrid project receiving $60 million from the bond. Excluded from the bond are renovations at Bellamy, Sunset Park, Masonboro, Bradley Creek, Alderman, Holly Tree, and Wrightsboro elementary schools, as well as additional phases for New Hanover High School. The district’s Finance Capital Bond Committee narrowed the focus to the most urgent needs after reviewing 20 initial projects totaling $628.5 million. Outside the bond, the 2025 fiscal budget allocates $5.2 million for repairs, including a $1.3 million project to replace three underground fuel storage tanks at the district’s transportation facility. The district has deferred this project for years due to concerns about potential fuel leaks. The bond, if approved, would fund projects over a decade starting in 2028, while the district continues to explore alternative funding for excluded initiatives like Isaac Bear Early College. The district has not identified state budget allocations for the facility, leaving its future uncertain beyond the 2027 land agreement.