Wayne County Schools Propose $207M Budget

Superintendent outlines priorities for safety, facilities, and academic programs

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:18am

A vibrant, pop art-inspired grid of stylized textbooks in bold, overlapping colors, conceptually representing the district's focus on educational resources and programs.WCPS's proposed budget aims to strengthen academic programs and student resources through strategic investments.Goldsboro Today

Wayne County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Marc Whichard has presented a proposed $207 million budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, focusing on key priorities such as safety and security, capital facility needs, current expense funding, and legally required Exceptional Children (EC) program services. The budget also supports district offerings in media services, fine arts, and middle school athletics.

Why it matters

As a large public school district, WCPS' budget decisions have a significant impact on the community. This proposed budget aims to balance fiscal responsibility with investments in critical areas like school safety, facilities, and academic programs - all of which are important for student success and community engagement.

The details

The $207 million proposed budget outlines priorities such as continued investments in safety and security, capital facility needs, current expense funding, and legally required Exceptional Children (EC) program services. It also supports district offerings in media services, fine arts, and middle school athletics.

  • The proposed budget was presented at this month's Board of Education meeting.
  • Public comments will be accepted through Thursday, April 30.
  • The Board of Education is expected to finalize the budget for approval at its regularly scheduled meeting on May 4.

The players

Dr. Marc Whichard

Superintendent of Wayne County Public Schools, who presented the proposed $207 million budget.

Wayne County Public Schools

A large public school district in North Carolina that is developing its 2026-2027 fiscal year budget.

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What they’re saying

“Like past budgets I have developed, this year's proposed budget makes wise investments in safety and security, facility and human capital improvements. Wise planning and sound budgetary practices have emerged as hallmarks for our district. As a steward of public funds, I am committed to providing a strong return on investment through continued gains in academic outcomes, improved campuses, enhanced teacher recruitment and retention initiatives, and stronger offerings within our academic and extracurricular programs.”

— Dr. Marc Whichard, Superintendent

What’s next

The Board of Education is expected to finalize the budget for approval at its regularly scheduled meeting on May 4.

The takeaway

This proposed budget demonstrates WCPS' commitment to fiscal responsibility and strategic investments in key areas like school safety, facilities, and academic programs - all of which are crucial for supporting student success and community engagement within the district.