The Buncombe County Board of Education approved a contract Thursday with North Carolina State University on behalf of its Institute for Transportation Research and Education (ITRE) to study districtwide capacity and enrollment trends.

Superintendent Doctor Jackson recommended the study after the board requested a capacity analysis tied to prior consolidation feasibility work. Doctor Jackson said the study would replicate work the district engaged in about 20 years ago and provide an independent check on the district’s internal capacity modeling.

Nut graf: The board approved the NCSU/ITRE engagement to provide external analysis on enrollment and facility capacity; staff said the university team will work through the year and present findings by the end of the school year, and the study is intended to help inform future operational and facility decisions.

Board member Greg asked about timing; Doctor Jackson replied the timeline calls for a presentation by the end of the school year. The motion to approve the recommendation was moved and seconded; the board voted and the motion carried without recorded opposition.

Votes at a glance: the meeting also carried the agenda and the consent agenda by voice vote.

Ending: The board approved the study and staff will proceed with the contract execution and monitoring according to the stated timeline.