Asheville City Schools District allocated a total of $20.3 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 4.2% increase when compared to the $19.5 million spent the previous year on salary.
Among the various expenditures, the largest expenditure from state funds was $20.3 million for salary, followed by employee benefits on which $9.3 million was spent, and purchased services with $816,006. Additionally, expenditures for supplies and materials and capital outlay were $541,210 and $59,235, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salary | $19,507,596 | $20,335,914 | 4.2% |
| Employee Benefits | $8,999,419 | $9,278,731 | 3.1% |
| Capital Outlay | $63,482 | $59,235 | -6.7% |
| Purchased Services | $1,058,649 | $816,006 | -22.9% |
| Supplies And Materials | $999,789 | $541,210 | -45.9% |
