Learn how the school bond will improve our schools and students' learning experience in Wake County.
“Wake County Schools has been dedicated to building an equity framework, both in our educational opportunities and academics, but also our buildings, our facilities and everything that we offer to our students and our parents.”
The November 3 referendum asks Wake County voters whether the county should issue $680 million in General Obligation Bonds to fund school construction, renovations, safety improvements, infrastructure upgrades, and other critical facility projects across Wake County Public Schools.
The county has also committed $152.3 million in additional cash funding, bringing the total investment to more than $832 million.
Wake County continues to face significant school facility needs, including aging buildings, HVAC replacements, infrastructure upgrades, security improvements, and renovations at existing schools.
A strong public education system is essential to our community’s well-being – both individually and collectively. Investing in schools has helped keep the Triangle, and specifically Wake County, one of the most desirable regions to live in the nation. It’s critical to continue the investment in schools to allow for needed upgrades and to keep up with growth – also to keep our district’s schools safe and modernized for future generations.
Previous bond campaigns have helped support growth and build the district’s strong reputation – without compromising the local economy or significantly raising taxes.
The 2026 bond continues that long-term investment by shifting greater emphasis toward renovating aging schools, replacing major building systems, improving safety and accessibility, and reducing reliance on mobile classrooms, while still providing capacity where new schools are needed.
The referendum authorizes $680 million in General Obligation Bonds, supplemented by $152.3 million in county cash funding. The proposed tax increase is $4 per year for every $100,000 of assessed property value. For the average Wake County homeowner, that's about $21 per year.
Because Wake County holds the highest possible credit rating—AAA—from all three major rating agencies, the County can secure bond financing at highly favorable interest rates, helping minimize costs for taxpayers. Simply put, bonds are a responsible, cost-effective way to fund critical school investments that will serve today’s students and future generations.
School bonds can only be used for capital projects, such as constructing schools, renovating buildings, replacing heating and cooling systems, improving safety and security, and other long-term facility investments.
Teacher salaries and other day-to-day operating expenses are funded through separate operating budgets and cannot be paid for using bond proceeds. This distinction is standard public finance practice.
The proposed bond supports Wake County Public Schools' Strategic Plan by advancing Core Belief #7: “All students and staff deserve optimal learning environments supported by well-maintained facilities and sustainable operational systems.”
The plan also emphasizes safe and welcoming schools, reliable infrastructure and technology, and responsible stewardship of public resources.