Every five years, as required by state law (NC G.S.115C-521.a) the NC Department of Public Instruction facilitates the statewide Facility Needs Survey (FNS) with local school districts. The completed surveys are integrated into a publicly available statewide FNS database. The last survey was completed in 2020-21.
The map below of the 2020-21 FNS identifies nearly $12.8 billion in needs for the 115 school districts (25% was for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems). School districts have used this data to illustrate the cost of aging infrastructure, exacerbated by construction cost inflation.
When adjusted for inflation using the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) calculator, the $12.8 billion in 2020-21 is equivalent to about $16.4 billion in January 2026.
The new 2025-2026 Facility Needs Survey is underway now and the results are expected in early Fall 2026. The map below will be updated at that time.
