Board schedules work session after debate over school building priorities and bond list

Board members asked for a dedicated work session to review prioritized capital projects, capacity constraints and redistricting options before the district or county advances a bond package. The finance-bond-and-capital committee had been reviewing a long list of potential projects; committee members cited five schools under discussion — River Lights, New Hanover High, Pine Valley, Trask (replacement) and Porters Neck — and asked for more detailed cost and scope estimates. Several board members said previously uploaded documents did not reflect the finance committee’s preliminary work, and asked staff to bring cohesive, current cost estimates before the board. Board member Jesse Barnhart and others urged a close look at capacity, acreage and possible redistricting alternatives to determine whether additions, renovations or new construction would best use limited resources. Barnhart proposed a work session after the 10th day of school so enrollment numbers would be stable; the board approved a motion to hold a work session after the finance committee’s September 18 meeting and before the county’s October deadlines. A poll of dates will be sent to board members. District staff told the board they would supply updated enrollment and acreage figures after the tenth day of school and would prepare clearer, current cost estimates for any projects the board asks to be priced out. The finance committee will finalize a recommendation before the board considers forwarding a package to the county. The board did not vote to place any specific project in a bond package at the meeting; members emphasized public engagement and clear cost estimates as prerequisites.