Setting the Record Straight on North Carolina’s Public School Funding

Some on the left have voiced concern that expanding educational flexibility—with school choice or vouchers—means public schools are being defunded. Let’s clear that up with the facts.

State funding for K–12 public education has grown substantially over the last decade—well beyond inflation.

• In 2023–24, North Carolina’s state public school appropriations reached $12.35 billion, up from $7.65 billion in 2009–10, while student enrollment increased by only about 5.8% (roughly 85,000 students). NC DPI, EdNC

• That marks a $4.7 billion increase in state funding over that period—far outpacing inflation and modest enrollment growth. NC DPI, EdNC

Just through DPI, this $12.35 billion reflects the core investment in public schools across the state. NC DPI

And that’s not all—K–12 education funding now includes additional support via the University of North Carolina (UNC) System (e.g., lab schools) and the NC Community College System. In the 2023–24 biennial state budget, the allocations amounted to:

• K–12 education (DPI): approximately $11.6 billion (2023–24) and $12.0 billion (2024–25) EdNC

• Plus UNC System: ~$4.4 billion over the biennium EdNC

• Plus Community Colleges: ~$1.5 billion over the biennium EdNC

These additional investments push total K–12–related public funding above $13 billion annually when considering DPI, UNC lab schools, and community college programs.

Bottom line: North Carolina is not defunding public schools. On the contrary, it is investing at record high levels—even though enrollment has seen only modest growth.

The broader conversation about school choice or educational flexibility isn’t about withdrawing public school funding. It’s about empowering families with additional tools and options, on top of a strong and growing public education system.

Students—regardless of their educational paths—deserve both fully funded schools and flexible resources that can adapt to their individual needs.