Wilmington, N.C. In a joint announcement today, The Endowment, New Hanover County and New Hanover County Schools announced a major philanthropic investment to support a comprehensive, countywide school improvement and capital modernization plan that will be implemented over the next decade in New Hanover County. The Endowment is pleased to share that it will commit up to $116 million over ten years to help ensure students across the County learn in safe, modern, and future-ready schools.
The County plans to issue $320 million general obligation bonds to finance the comprehensive school improvement and capital modernization plan. The Endowment’s commitment, which is contingent on the County’s ability to secure a plan of finance for the initiative, is designed to supplement public funds to support the plan, bringing private philanthropy alongside public investment to accelerate transformational improvements focused on kids and families.
“This investment goes beyond bricks and mortar; it is about creating environments more conducive to teaching and learning, strengthening neighborhood vitality, and ensuring that young people have spaces that reflect their potential,” said Sophie Dagenais, President and CEO of The Endowment. “A shared investment by the Endowment, New Hanover County and New Hanover County Schools will be a powerful expression of belief: belief in young people, belief in public education, and belief that communities grow stronger when we create places where people can learn, gather, and thrive together.”
“These are generational investments meant to shape opportunity for children we will never meet, but who will benefit from decisions made with care and intention this year,” said Shannon Winslow, Board Chair of The Endowment. “I am particularly grateful that this work is being done in a spirit of partnership — not as isolated actors, but as a community choosing to move forward together with purpose and continued commitment to our kids, our families, and our community.”
The County’s multi-year plan addresses critical needs across the school system, including facility modernization, safety upgrades, and learning environments aligned with the New Hanover County Schools Facility Utilization Study. By combining public financing with philanthropic support, the County can deliver needed improvements while reducing the cost for local families and the community.
“We appreciate the shared commitment from The Endowment and New Hanover County to provide facilities that give our students the best opportunity to succeed,” said Dr. Christopher Barnes, Superintendent of New Hanover County Schools. “We firmly believe that school challenges require community solutions.”
“Providing safe, modern learning environments for our students is a top priority for this Board. Our students deserve classrooms worthy of their potential,” said LeAnn Pierce, Chair of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners. “On behalf of all of us as County Commissioners, the County is committed to supporting our New Hanover County Schools, and we are grateful to The Endowment for helping us shoulder the costs of this initiative. This grant means meaningful relief for our taxpayers while we deliver the schools our students need and deserve.”
If the County’s proposed bond issue is approved by the voters this fall, implementation of the school improvement plan will begin in 2028, with projects rolling out in phases over the next ten years.
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