North Carolina Community Colleges Showcase Remarkable Efficiency in Workforce Management
In a recent audit conducted by the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor’s Division of Accountability, Value, and Efficiency (DAVE), a minimal number of long-term vacancies have been identified across the community colleges in North Carolina. This audit is part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing government efficiency by assessing long-term state vacancies, defined as roles unfilled for six months or more, and the resulting financial implications.
According to the findings, the North Carolina Community College System, which employs over 31,000 individuals, has only 136 positions classified as long-term vacancies. Highlighting the effectiveness of the system’s workforce governance, State Auditor Dave Boliek remarked, “North Carolina’s community college system is a strong example of effective and efficient workforce governance. The colleges utilize management flexibility and are considerate of staffing needs.” He further emphasized, “With less than half a percent vacancy rate out of a workforce of over 31,000 personnel, our community colleges should serve as a goalpost for other state agencies in efforts to keep workforce vacancy rates low.”
Among the 136 vacant positions, community colleges reported that as of December 31, 2025, 82 roles, accounting for 60.3%, have been filled, are nearing the final stages of hiring, or are actively being recruited. The financial impact of these vacancies has been significant, with a total of $11.3 million generated in lapsed salaries since the positions became vacant. If these positions remain unfilled for a year, they are projected to result in $10.4 million in lapsed salaries.
Despite the financial implications, the DAVE report indicates that eliminating these vacancies is not recommended due to the complex funding models involved, aiming instead to enhance transparency within the community college system. The findings are detailed in the January 2026 State Vacancy & Lapsed Salary report, further supported by an online interactive dashboard that provides access to the underlying data, available here.
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