In a landmark move for public education, the Sampson County Schools Board of Education and the Clinton City Schools Board of Education have joined with the Sampson County Board of Commissioners to sign a historic joint budget resolution. This is the first time all three entities have entered into an annual current expense funding agreement, marking a new era of collaboration and stability for local school funding.
The resolution guarantees that both Sampson County Schools and Clinton City Schools will receive a set amount of local funding each year. Under the agreement, the school systems will receive 25% of the sum of all property tax revenues and all sales tax revenues not otherwise designated by state statute for education received by Sampson County Government. Read the full resolution here.
Sampson County Schools is currently ranked 104th out of 115 school districts in North Carolina in per-pupil funding, highlighting the critical need for stable, equitable local investment in our schools. This new funding agreement is especially significant as it provides a guaranteed and predictable source of local funding, helping to address longstanding disparities and ensuring that all students in Sampson County receive the resources they need to succeed.
Both superintendents, Dr. Jamie King of Sampson County Schools and Dr. Wesley Johnson of Clinton City Schools, have worked closely to ensure these funds are utilized to maximize benefits for all students. Their partnership, alongside interim county manager Jeffrey Hudson, reflects a unified commitment to effective stewardship and educational progress and ensures that every dollar serves its intended purpose effectively.
“This type of forward-thinking partnership allows us to create a more cohesive plan for the future of Sampson County’s students. Together, we are building a foundation that will serve not only today’s learners but also generations to come,” said Dr. King.
“This is a historical moment,” Hudson added. “There are not many counties in North Carolina that have a jointly adopted funding formula for schools.”
This agreement represents a shared vision for education in Sampson County. By aligning county and school priorities, both systems are positioned to maximize resources and improve outcomes for all students. The Boards are confident that this partnership will continue to yield positive results for schools and the community as Sampson County moves forward with a progressive vision for education.
After the signing, Dr. King emphasized the significance of the event. “I am excited and deeply grateful that our community has once again prioritized public education. Our County Commissioners recognize that we are currently ranked 104th out of 115 school districts in per-student funding, and they stood up to say: We must do better. We hear that call, and we will answer it. We will strive for better—for our students, our staff, and our communities. This bold decision will allow us to expand course offerings, provide more mental health supports, and continue pushing for better compensation for the incredible staff who serve our children every day. We are committed to honoring this investment by building a future our children will thank us for—one where every classroom reflects the care, opportunity, and promise this community believes in.”
