FAQs
- N.C.G.S. § 153A-456 – Limitation on the use of public funds
What is a General Obligation (GO) Bond?
A General Obligation, or GO, Bond is a financing tool used by local governments to pay for major public capital projects. These projects may include schools, public buildings, infrastructure, parks, libraries, and other long-term community assets.
Cabarrus County is considering a 2026 school bond referendum to help fund school construction, renovations, and facility improvements. If voters approve the bond referendum on their ballots this November, Cabarrus County can borrow funds at a favorable interest rate and repay the debt over time. The county would issue school bonds totaling $340million.
Why is a GO bond being considered in 2026?
The bond referendum comes as Cabarrus County continues to manage long-term school facility needs, including aging buildings, major renovation needs, HVAC and infrastructure replacement, safety and security updates, and capacity needs in growing areas. While student growth has slowed compared with previous decades, the district continues to face significant renovation and life-cycle replacement needs across existing schools.
Why do school buildings need major maintenance?
Like private homes, school buildings contain systems and materials that have expected useful lifespans. Roofs, HVAC equipment, plumbing, electrical systems, windows, parking lots, and other components eventually require repair or replacement as they age.
Why not wait until something breaks to repair or replace it?
Addressing facility needs before a major failure occurs can reduce school disruptions and help avoid emergency repairs. Long-term capital planning allows the district and county to identify needs, establish priorities, plan improvements over time, and make fiscally responsible use of our current structures.
Shouldn't developers help pay for infrastructure needs?
In North Carolina, state law prohibits the use of school impact fees. This means counties and school systems cannot require developers or builders to pay fees specifically to fund new school construction, even when new housing contributes to enrollment growth.
As a result, bonds are widely viewed as the most efficient and financially responsible way to fund school construction. Cabarrus County Schools works closely with county leaders and demographers to plan for growth and ensure school facilities are built in a way that best serves students, families, and the broader community.
Can bond funds be used for teacher salaries or school supplies?
No. General Obligation Bond funds are designated for capital projects and long-term facility improvements. They cannot be used for regular operating expenses such as salaries, utilities, instructional materials, or day-to-day school operations.
How are proposed maintenance projects identified?
Cabarrus County Schools regularly evaluates the condition of its buildings and major systems. Facility assessments, maintenance records, safety needs, expected system lifespans, and long-range capital planning are used to help identify and prioritize projects.
How will the GO Bond affect my tax bill?
Cabarrus County government has developed an online calculator tool to help you explore the impact of the $340 million school bond on your property tax bill.
How will the public know how bond funds are used?
Bond proceeds are subject to legal requirements, financial accountability, and public oversight. Information about proposed projects, funding, and project progress will be shared through public meetings, financial reporting, and district and county communication channels.
What happens if voters approve the bond?
If approved, Cabarrus County would be authorized to issue General Obligation Bonds for the purposes identified in the ballot question and supporting bond documents. Projects would then proceed according to established planning, financing, design, bidding, and construction processes.
What happens if voters do not approve the proposed bond?
If the bond is not approved, Cabarrus County Schools and Cabarrus County would continue evaluating facility needs and available funding options through the regular capital planning process.
When will the bond appear on the ballot?
The proposed General Obligation Bond is scheduled to appear on the November 3, 2026 General Election ballot.
Where can I find voter registration and election information?
The Cabarrus County Board of Elections provides official information about voter registration, absentee voting, early voting dates and locations, Election Day polling places, and voting requirements.
Is Cabarrus County Schools asking people to vote a certain way?
No. Cabarrus County Schools is providing factual, educational information about the proposal, the planned projects, and the election process.
State law governs how Cabarrus County Schools communicates about bond referendums. The school district may provide factual, educational information about the bond but may not use public funds to advocate for or against its passage.
The decision belongs to the voters of Cabarrus County. For more information, see: