August 14, 2026
School Bond 2026 Q&A: What can
Can bond funds be used for teacher salaries or school supplies?
No. Under North Carolina law, bond funds are used for long-term school facility needs, not the everyday costs of operating schools.
Bond funds can be used for:
- Building new schools
- Replacing or expanding existing schools
- Renovating and repairing school buildings
- Replacing roofs, heating and cooling systems, and other major building systems
- Improving plumbing, electrical, and utility systems
- Paving and other school site improvements
- Safety and security improvements that are part of facility projects
- Purchasing land for school facilities
- Furniture and equipment connected to capital projects
- Planning, design, engineering, and other costs related to these projects
Bond funds cannot be used for:
- Teacher or staff salaries
- Employee raises or bonuses
- Employee benefits
- Routine classroom supplies
- Textbooks and other regular instructional materials
- Utility bills
- Fuel
- Professional development
- Regular custodial and maintenance supplies
- Other everyday costs of operating schools
Bond funds pay for long-term investments in school buildings and facilities. Operating funds pay for the everyday costs of educating students.
North Carolina law explains how bond funds may be used in N.C.G.S. § 159-48. School district operating and capital expenses are also separated under N.C.G.S. § 115C-426.
The proposed Cabarrus County Schools GO Bond will appear on the November 3, 2026 ballot.
For more information, please visit the following resources: