School Bond 2026: Why a GO Bond in 2026?
Cabarrus County Schools has many buildings that need major repairs and updates. These include replacing old roofs, heating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, repairing parking lots, improving safety features, and taking care of other building needs. After years of historic growth in Cabarrus County that led to the construction of several new schools, many of our aging school buildings still need important maintenance and repairs. Thirteen of our 44 schools were built prior to 2000, and of these, six are more than forty years old.
The purpose of this year's proposed GO Bond is to:
- Protect the community's investment in our schools.
- Preserve and maintain school facilities.
- Extend the life of existing buildings.
- Address aging infrastructure.
In the past, Cabarrus County has used different ways to pay for school construction and major building projects. One option available to local governments is a Limited Obligation Bond (LOB). LOBs do not require voter approval. They are approved by the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners and the Local Government Commission and have helped pay for new schools and other major construction projects. Most recently, LOBs were used to help fund the new Northwest Cabarrus High School replacement and a new elementary school in northwestern Cabarrus County.
A General Obligation (GO) Bond is different because it must be approved by voters. If voters approve the proposed 2026 GO Bond, the funding would be used for the school facility projects included in the bond proposal.
The last school General Obligation (GO) Bond referendum in Cabarrus County was held in 2014 to provide funding for the replacement of Royal Oaks School of the Arts.
The proposed Cabarrus County Schools GO Bond will appear on the November 3, 2026 ballot.
For more information, please visit the following resources: