The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners meeting on May 8, 2025, focused on critical budgetary decisions and urgent infrastructure needs for local schools. A significant discussion centered around an amendment to the 2016 schools capital projects ordinance, which proposed allocating $2,568,000 to Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools for emergency repairs at East Forsyth High School.

The funds are earmarked for urgent repairs to utility tunnels and a failing boiler, both of which pose safety risks to students. The need for these repairs arose during a canopy replacement project, where it was discovered that water intrusion had compromised the integrity of the utility tunnels beneath the school’s sidewalks. This situation has necessitated immediate action to prevent potential hazards, as student access to affected areas has been restricted.

Commissioners expressed concerns regarding the timing and assessment of the repairs, questioning why these issues were not identified earlier in the renovation planning process. The county manager acknowledged that while the canopy replacement was planned, the full engineering assessment had not been completed until construction began, leading to the discovery of the tunnel's condition.

In addition to the tunnel repairs, the proposal includes funding for a new boiler, which is essential for heating two buildings on the campus. However, some commissioners suggested separating the votes for the tunnel and boiler repairs, arguing that the boiler issue should be addressed in a broader context of maintenance needs across the district.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to provide a comprehensive capital improvement plan to the commissioners, which will outline the district's long-term infrastructure needs. This plan is expected to facilitate better budgeting and prioritization of future projects, ensuring that citizens receive a clear picture of the funding requirements associated with school maintenance and improvements.