Mount Airy City Schools District allocated a total of $9.8 million from state funds to salary in the 2023-24 school year, according to data gathered by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
This sum represents a 6.3% increase when compared to the $9.3 million spent the previous year on salary.
Among the various expenditures, the largest expenditure from state funds was $9.8 million for salary, followed by employee benefits on which $4.6 million was spent, and purchased services with $521,465. Additionally, expenditures for supplies and materials and capital outlay were $340,549 and $64,019, respectively.
Despite steady enrollment, North Carolina schools continue to face significant funding challenges. The state’s per-student spending remains nearly $5,000 below the national average, limiting resources for teachers, classrooms, and student support programs. In fact, North Carolina ranks 48th out of 50 states in per-student funding (after adjusting for regional costs).
| Category | Spending in 2022-23 | Spending in 2023-24 | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employee Benefits | $4,163,007 | $4,559,543 | 9.5% |
| Salary | $9,257,918 | $9,839,150 | 6.3% |
| Purchased Services | $517,044 | $521,465 | 0.9% |
| Supplies And Materials | $342,832 | $340,549 | -0.7% |
| Capital Outlay | $80,072 | $64,019 | -20% |
