Beaufort County commissioners ask superintendent for precise cost comparison on SW Snowden (Aurora) closure

The Beaufort County Board of Commissioners voted to ask the school superintendent to produce a detailed cost comparison showing the net fiscal difference between closing SW Snowden Elementary in Aurora and transporting its students to Chocowinity.

Commissioner Hood (identified in the meeting) moved that the board request a complete, verifiable breakdown of savings and additional costs that would result from a school closure. The motion was seconded and approved. Commissioners said they want the superintendent to provide the "delta" (the difference in net costs) that factors state-funded positions and benefits, local transportation changes, the impact on receiving schools, and any additional capital or operational costs that would be required if students move.

Public comments: Several residents urged the board to keep SW Snowden (referred to in the transcript as the Aurora school) open. Travis Martin, of Blunt Creek and the Edward District, told commissioners that transportation costs and long bus rides would harm academic performance and fatigue among young children; he said some commissioners had voiced opposition to closing the school, while others had not spoken publicly. Nathaniel Modlin (Noah Modlin in the transcript) and other residents argued that centralization benefits Washington and Chocowinity voters and diminishes representation for outlying areas.

Washington Elementary construction concerns: Separately, residents and one commissioner questioned a recent county land purchase for a new school site and the county's role in oversight. Noah Modlin told the board the county paid $500,000 for four acres for a new school site in Washington and suggested parcels used for appraisal comparison implied the county overpaid, a claim he asked the board to investigate. A commissioner pointed to a project estimate sheet in meeting materials showing a projected Washington school cost of $2,615,000 and noted a per-student figure that had been circulated in board materials ($21,980 per student based on 119 students); commissioners asked who is performing owner's oversight and which firm is responsible for geotechnical and construction testing.

Why it matters: Commissioners emphasized their fiduciary responsibility for county funds allocated to school construction and operation. Commissioner Hood asked for a precise accounting so the board can weigh fiscal effects of closure versus continuing operation, and to ensure the county is protecting its investment in a multimillion-dollar construction project.

Next steps: The board directed the superintendent to return with a verified cost-difference report that includes additional transportation costs, impacts on receiving schools and any change-order notices or owner-designated-representative details for the Washington Elementary project.