During the recent School Capital Fund Commission meeting held on September 29, 2025, in Buncombe County, officials highlighted the pressing capital needs of local schools, emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues for the community's educational infrastructure.

The Board of Education has proposed a bond referendum to be presented to voters, aimed at tackling the significant capital requirements of the county's public schools. This initiative comes in response to the operational challenges faced by the schools, which have been exacerbated by a lack of funding for necessary capital improvements.

Buncombe County Schools currently operate 45 schools and two additional facilities, with ages ranging from the historic Oakley Elementary School, which is 105 years old, to newer institutions that are just nine years into operation. This wide age range underscores the varying levels of maintenance and upgrades needed across the district.

The discussions during the meeting focused on the financial implications of these capital needs and the potential benefits of securing voter support for the bond referendum. By addressing these issues, the county aims to enhance the educational environment for students and ensure that all facilities meet modern standards.

As the community looks ahead, the proposed bond referendum represents a crucial step toward securing the necessary funding to improve and maintain the county's educational facilities, ultimately benefiting students and families throughout Buncombe County.