Cabarrus County launches survey on potential 2026 school bond

Residents asked to weigh in on specific bond amounts, tax impacts and long-term funding strategy.

Screenshot of the Cabarrus County Bond Referendum survey.

Cabarrus County has launched a public survey seeking input on a potential 2026 general obligation bond that could fund future school construction and facility upgrades.

A general obligation (GO) bond is a financing tool the county uses to borrow money for major capital projects, with repayment supported through property taxes and subject to voter approval.

The survey asks residents to choose between bond options ranging from $200 million to $600 million, each paired with estimated property tax increases.

Cabarrus County currently has a tax rate of 57.6 cents per $100 of assessed value. For example, a $600 million GO bond would add an estimated 7.25 cents, bringing the total to 64.85 cents.

Participants are also asked how often the county should pursue bonds — with options ranging from every two years to longer than six years — and how important it is to maintain a regular bond cycle for financial planning.

Establishing a bond cycle would allow the county to spread out borrowing over time and help maintain its AAA bond rating, according to county materials.

Residents can also select “no bond” and provide written comments.

County officials say the feedback will help guide decisions ahead of a possible referendum in the November 2026 election.

The survey comes as local education leaders face more than $1 billion in projected capital needs over the next decade.

Cabarrus County Schools, Kannapolis City Schools and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College each have major projects under consideration, including new school construction, campus expansions and large-scale deferred maintenance such as roofs, HVAC and plumbing systems.

For Cabarrus County Schools, those needs include a replacement Northwest Cabarrus High School, a new elementary school in the northwest area, a new Central Cabarrus High School and a range of deferred maintenance projects.

Kannapolis City Schools is seeking to expand facilities at A.L. Brown High School and Jackson Park Elementary, while Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is planning an expansion of its South Campus, including a Workforce Innovations Center.

The survey is available at bondsurvey.cabarruscounty.us.