Board announces 32-acre site purchase and files needs-based capital application to state

District facility staff told the board that attorneys have closed on a 32-acre site at Ridge Road and Highway 70 East that is now owned by the McDowell County Board of Education. Using that ownership and a package of supporting materials, the district submitted a needs-based public school capital fund grant application to the state on Oct. 1.

Facilities director Chad Marsh described the application as a collaborative product involving district leadership, members of the executive cabinet, the superintendent, county commissioners and legislative offices. Marsh called special attention to letters of support included in the package and an interlocal agreement with McDowell County that the commissioners endorsed unanimously.

Board members said the consolidated and robust application was designed to increase competitiveness for available state funds; staff noted that the state typically makes first-round awards in roughly 30 days but that there may be a second round of funding tied to the state budget. Marsh said dozens of other applications were submitted statewide and that the district’s package aimed to stand out because of local collaboration and the property acquisition.

If awarded, the funds would support large capital projects the board has previously discussed, including possible new consolidated school construction and other facility needs. The board will be notified by the state as review concludes; staff said additional lottery or second-round funds might also be available later in the budget process.