Wake County (NC) Voters to Decide $829 Million School, Wake Tech Bond Referendum in November
If approved, the two bond measures would fund new schools, campus improvements and facility upgrades across Wake County while increasing property taxes beginning in fiscal year 2028.
Raleigh, NC, Jul. 6, 2026 — Wake County voters will decide this November whether to authorize nearly $830 million in borrowing for public school construction and expansion of Wake Technical Community College, a proposal that would increase property taxes if approved.
The Wake County Board of Commissioners voted Monday to place two general obligation bond referendums on the Nov. 3rd ballot: a $680 million bond for the Wake County Public School System and a $149.1 million bond for Wake Tech. Commissioners approved both measures following separate public hearings, during which no members of the public spoke, and the county clerk reported that no written comments had been submitted on either proposal.
If voters approve the measures, they would represent one of the county’s largest recent investments in education infrastructure, funding new schools, campus expansions, renovations and other long-term capital improvements across Wake County.
County officials estimate the combined bond packages would increase the property tax rate by approximately one-half cent per $100 of assessed value beginning in fiscal year 2028. That works out to about $5 annually for every $100,000 of assessed value, or roughly $22.50 per year for a home valued at $450,000.
The school bond would fund construction of three new elementary schools — Marshburn Road, Poole Road and Little Creek — while also paying for renovations and additions at eight existing schools, including Athens Drive High School, Cary High School and East Wake High School. The proposal also includes funding for technology upgrades, security improvements, land acquisition, and other districtwide capital needs.
Wake Tech’s portion of the referendum would support renovations across its campuses, construction of a fire and rescue training facility, expanded skilled-trades and automotive instructional space, dental hygiene program improvements, a new academic building, a parking deck and additional infrastructure and safety upgrades.
Although the referendum asks voters to approve $829.1 million in borrowing, the total cost over the life of the debt will be higher once interest is included. According to estimates filed with the bond orders by the county’s Chief Financial Officer, the school bond is expected to cost approximately $1.04 billion over its full term, including an estimated $363.4 million in interest. The Wake Tech bond is projected to cost about $228.8 million, including approximately $79.7 million in interest. Those estimates are based on the highest interest rates the county has paid on similar debt during the past 20 years.
Every Wake County property owner would pay the additional property taxes if voters approve the referendum, while students, educators, and staff across both school systems would benefit from the planned facility improvements over the coming years.
State law also limits how public officials may discuss the referendum. Wake County commissioners, county employees, Wake County Public Schools, and Wake Tech officials may provide factual information and encourage residents to vote, but they cannot use public resources to advocate for the passage of the bonds. Private organizations, including business groups and advocacy organizations, are free to campaign either for or against the measures.