Members of the New Hanover County Schools bond and finance committee discussed an accelerated timeline to prepare a school capital bond proposal, emphasizing internal deadlines and the need for coordinated county staff support. Committee leadership asked members to produce a draft scope for projects this summer so staff can refine cost estimates ahead of an October window for an initial project list and a January 31 deadline for finalized project lists with dollar amounts.

The discussion centered on process and timing rather than final project selection. Committee members and staff agreed that the group must settle on a conceptual scope at the August meeting, then return in September with a more polished draft for the board to approve before county staff produce formal cost estimates. Staff indicated some flexibility for the October 31 target but said pushing past that date shortens the time available to develop accurate estimates before the January 31 cutoff.

Committee members raised practical concerns about scheduling and participation: the August 27 meeting falls near the start of school calendars for some principals, so virtual attendance would be offered; the group penciled in September 18 as a working session. Members also identified communications and public engagement as essential to any successful bond campaign and asked the group to prepare outreach plans concurrently with the scope list so the community can be informed well ahead of a public vote.

Background and next steps: County staff and school finance staff will continue to work with the committee on a draft project scope. The committee plans to reconvene in August and September to finalize a scope for formal presentation to the full school board prior to forwarding materials to county staff for cost estimating and scheduling.