When Brunswick County voters head to the polls on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, they will find a question near the bottom of the ballot that matters to every homeowner in the county, whether or not they have kids in school: a $349.6 million school bond referendum. If it passes, the county can borrow money to build new schools and upgrade existing ones, and property taxes could rise to repay that debt.
We are not here to tell you how to vote. Our goal is to lay out what the bond actually says, what it could cost a typical homeowner, and why it matters for buyers and sellers in Leland, Bolivia, Southport, Shallotte, and everywhere in between.
What Is on the Ballot
The question as printed on the ballot asks whether the county should authorize $349,600,000 in general obligation bonds to pay for constructing, improving, and renovating school facilities, including land, furnishings, equipment, and related infrastructure. The ballot language itself includes two disclosures required by state law:
- The estimated cumulative cost over the life of the bonds, using the highest interest rate charged for similar debt over the past 20 years, would be about $545.8 million (the $349.6 million principal plus roughly $196.2 million in interest).
- The estimated property tax increase to repay that debt would be $54.66 per year for every $100,000 of taxable value.
You can see the exact wording on the Brunswick County Schools sample ballot page, and you can look up your own personalized sample ballot through the North Carolina State Board of Elections voter search.
What the Money Would Build
According to the Brunswick County Schools 2026 bond page, the district says its elementary schools are running at about 93% of capacity, with several already over capacity and all projected to pass 100% within the next decade. The district still relies on mobile classrooms at multiple campuses.
Reporting in the Brunswick Beacon on the district’s bond presentation to county commissioners described the core of the plan as:
- A new elementary school in the northern end of the county
- A new high school, also in the northern end of the county
- Smaller upgrades and improvements at existing schools, plus money set aside for future land and school-site development
Superintendent Dale Cole told commissioners that about 93% of the bond would go to buying land for, designing, and building those two schools. The district’s FAQ notes that the proposed high school is not expected to begin construction until around 2029, so this is a long-range plan rather than a quick fix.
What It Could Cost You
The math is straightforward. The county’s official estimate is 5.466 cents per $100 of assessed value once fully phased in, which works out to $54.66 a year per $100,000. So a home assessed at $300,000 would see about $164 a year, and a home assessed at $450,000 would see about $246 a year, from the bond portion alone.
Two important details from the district’s own bond page:
- It phases in. The predicted increase is scheduled in steps tied to when bonds are actually sold, starting around 2028–29 and reaching the full estimate by 2032.
- It is an estimate, not a tax bill. Actual amounts depend on interest rates, borrowing timing, growth in the tax base, and decisions by the Board of Commissioners. Brunswick County’s 2027 countywide revaluation will also change assessed values, which affects every property tax calculation going forward.
Why This Matters for Homeowners and Sellers
Brunswick County has been one of the fastest-growing counties in North Carolina, and much of that growth has landed in the northern part of the county around Leland, Belville, and the U.S. 17 and N.C. 133 corridors. That growth is exactly why the district is asking for new schools there.
For homeowners, the trade-off is a modest added tax versus school capacity that keeps pace with new neighborhoods. School access is one of the questions buyers ask most often, and crowding or long-term reassignment can affect how families view a neighborhood. Either way the vote goes, it is worth knowing where your home sits relative to current and planned school sites.
What Buyers Should Keep in Mind
- Budget for property taxes realistically. Between this referendum and the 2027 revaluation, your future tax bill may differ from the seller’s current one. We can help you estimate a range.
- Verify school assignments directly. Attendance zones can change as new schools open. Always confirm a specific address with Brunswick County Schools rather than relying on a listing.
- Think long term. If you are buying in a fast-growing area, ask what is approved nearby. New subdivisions drive both school demand and road projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the vote?
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Check with the Brunswick County Board of Elections for polling places and any remaining early voting details.
Does this affect New Hanover or Pender County homeowners?
No. This referendum applies only to property in Brunswick County.
Will my taxes go up right away if it passes?
Based on the district’s phase schedule, the increase would come in steps beginning around 2028–29, not all at once. Final amounts are set by the county.
I don’t have kids in school. Why should I care?
Every property owner in the county would share the repayment cost, and school capacity is one of the factors that shapes demand for homes in a community.
Questions About Buying or Selling in Brunswick County?
Property taxes, school assignments, and nearby growth all play into what a home is really worth to you. If you would like help sorting through how this could affect a purchase or sale in Leland, Southport, Shallotte, or the beach towns, reach out to Aspyre Collective. We are happy to help.
