Person County Schools Bond Referendum on November 3 Ballot
District shares what a facility study found, what enrollment is projected to do, and what the $107 million bond would build.
Person County voters will decide on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, whether to approve a $107 million county bond to build a new middle school and renovate Northern Middle School and Southern Middle School as elementary schools.
Person County Schools serves approximately 4,600 students. Last year, the district recorded the highest rate of proficiency improvement in its history and continues to maintain a 90% or greater graduation rate, with 77% of ACT WorkKeys assessors earning an ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC).
Planning for the future
The average Person County school building is 57 years old.
Person County Schools assesses its facilities approximately every five years to plan and prepare for critical improvements and maintenance needs. The most recent study documented significant needs at both middle schools, including secure entry, traffic flow and access, vehicle circulation, and capacity for programming. At the elementary level, the study documented capacity constraints, as well as aging infrastructure and building systems. The district projects approximately 900 additional students over the next five years.
Working from that study, the Board of Education reviewed three options: renovating either Northern or Southern Middle School and bringing all middle school students to that campus, or building a new middle school. In April 2026, the Board selected the plan now before voters, by unanimous vote.
In North Carolina, school construction is funded by the county. The plan then moved to the Person County Board of Commissioners, which adopted the $107 million bond order in July 2026 and set the referendum for November 3.
The proposed solution
If approved by voters, the bond would fund:
A new middle school serving all Person County students in grades 6 through 8, with capacity for approximately 1,100 students.
Northern Middle School and Southern Middle School, renovated as elementary schools. The two buildings would add capacity for approximately 1,500 elementary students and provide capacity relief at existing elementary schools.
Northern and Southern would remain open and remain in their communities. Bond funds may be used only for capital projects. They cannot be used for salaries, supplies, utilities, or day-to-day operating costs.
Person County estimates a property tax increase of $0.095 per $100 of assessed valuation — about $95 a year on property assessed at $100,000.
“We are deeply grateful for our community’s ongoing partnership as we look toward the future of our schools,” said Dr. Peterson, Person County Schools Superintendent. “If passed, this bond represents a responsible investment in our children—giving our middle schoolers a modern, unified space to grow together, while preserving Northern and Southern as vital elementary hubs right in their home communities. We hold ourselves fully accountable to our taxpayers, ensuring every bond dollar goes directly toward capital improvements to build safe, strong foundations for Person County's next generation.”
Key voting dates
Friday, October 9 — Voter registration deadline, 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 15 — In-person early voting opens. Same-day registration is available at early voting sites.
Tuesday, October 20 — Deadline to request a mail ballot, 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 31 — In-person early voting ends, 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 3 — Election Day.
Early voting sites and hours are set by the Person County Board of Elections.
How to learn more
Project details, cost information, and answers to common questions are at pcsnc.org/page/bond-faq. Every board and commissioner meeting on the bond, with video, minutes, and the presentations given at each, is posted at pcsnc.org/page/bond-meeting-info.
–Media contact:
Erin Hill, Director of Marketing and Engagement
304 South Morgan Street, Roxboro, NC 27573
Phone: 336-599-2191 ext. 22110
About Person County Schools
Person County Schools serves more than 4,400 students across 14 schools in Person County, North Carolina. Guided by its mission to prepare students for success in a changing world, the district is committed to providing equitable educational opportunities that empower students to think critically, communicate effectively, collaborate with others, and become engaged citizens. Through strong partnerships with families and the community, Person County Schools prepares graduates for success in college, careers, and life.