Leaders in Sampson County sign ‘historic’ joint budget resolution for schools

The Sampson County Schools Board of Education and the Clinton City Schools Board of Education have partnered with their local board of commissioners to sign a joint budget resolution.

Under the resolution, both school districts are guaranteed a certain amount of local funding each year. According to a press release, “the school systems will receive 25% of the sum of all property tax revenues and all sales tax revenues not otherwise designated by state statute for education received by Sampson County Government.” You can read the full resolution here.

According to the release, this is the first time the three groups have entered into such an agreement, “marking a new era of collaboration and stability for local school funding.”

The current agreement lasts through June 2030, to determine funding for the 2030-31 fiscal year. At that point, it will automatically renew each year unless one of the parties delivers a written notice of termination at least five months ahead of the July 1 renewal date.

“Sampson County Schools is currently ranked 104th out of 115 school districts in North Carolina in per-pupil funding, highlighting the critical need for stable, equitable local investment in our schools,” the press release says. “This new funding agreement is especially significant as it provides a guaranteed and predictable source of local funding, helping to address longstanding disparities and ensuring that all students in Sampson County receive the resources they need to succeed.”

Leaders from both school districts emphasized that these funds will allow them to effectively plan for the future, and they will be used to benefit all students.

“This type of forward-thinking partnership allows us to create a more cohesive plan for the future of Sampson County’s students. Together, we are building a foundation that will serve not only today’s learners but also generations to come,” said Sampson County Schools Superintendent Dr. Jamie King.

“This is a historical moment,” Interim County Manager Jeffrey Hudson added. “There are not many counties in North Carolina that have a jointly adopted funding formula for schools.”