The recent School Capital Fund Commission meeting held on September 29, 2025, in Buncombe County, North Carolina, highlighted significant discussions regarding the aging infrastructure of local schools and the pressing need for capital improvements. With an average building age of 51 years, the school system is grappling with the challenges of maintaining and upgrading its facilities, which encompass 4.5 million square feet of space.

During the meeting, officials emphasized the importance of addressing the deteriorating conditions of school buildings. The discussion revealed that many facilities have reached the end of their useful life, necessitating urgent repairs and replacements. Notably, the school system operates over 10,000 pieces of HVAC equipment and 100,000 light fixtures, many of which are nearing the end of their expected lifespan. The transition to LED lighting, initiated nearly a decade ago, has provided cost savings, but the need for further upgrades is imminent.

The commission reviewed a backlog of capital projects, with last year's request totaling 119 projects at an estimated cost of $324 million. Unfortunately, only a fraction of these projects, particularly the 21 identified as high priority, have been addressed. This has resulted in postponed and phased-out projects, leaving some schools, like W.D. Williams, in a prolonged state of construction.

Glenard Elementary was specifically mentioned as a facility in dire need of replacement, underscoring the urgency of the situation. The commission's discussions reflect a broader concern about the sustainability of educational infrastructure in Buncombe County, as officials seek to balance immediate needs with long-term planning.

As the meeting concluded, the commission acknowledged the ongoing challenges and the necessity for strategic funding solutions to ensure that the educational environment remains conducive to learning. The next steps will involve continued updates on project statuses and potential funding avenues to address the critical needs of the school system.