The New Hanover County Schools Board of Education Finance Committee met on May 8, 2025, to discuss ongoing capital projects and funding priorities for the district. The meeting highlighted the status of various construction projects, particularly focusing on New Hanover High School, which is expected to complete its renovations by September 1, 2025.

Rob Morgan, the new assistant superintendent for operations and planning, presented an overview of the current capital projects. He noted that approximately $9.5 million of the $13 million in encumbered funds is allocated to New Hanover High School. The majority of these funds are expected to be utilized as the project nears completion. However, there was clarification that while the physical work may be done by the start of the school year, the financial closeout—when all bills are paid—could take an additional month or two.

Committee members expressed concerns about the timeline for project completion and the flow of funds. There was a discussion about the need for clearer communication regarding the fiscal year and project timelines, especially since many projects are completed during the summer when school is not in session. This has led to confusion in the community regarding why funds appear unspent.

The committee also addressed the importance of establishing a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to better manage and communicate future projects. Members emphasized that having a structured plan would help prioritize projects and ensure that funding requests align with the district's needs over a longer-term horizon.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to manage capital projects effectively while addressing community concerns about funding and project timelines. The Finance Committee aims to enhance communication and planning processes to ensure that the district can meet its infrastructure needs efficiently.