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Commissioners ask school officials to research state funding and bids for Old Wharton Elementary roof
Summary
After a walkthrough, commissioners agreed the Old Wharton Elementary School building needs a new roof and asked school officials to research whether the building still qualifies for 50% state school-construction funding and to develop a bid plan.
Kent County commissioners and school officials discussed the condition of the Old Wharton Elementary School building and agreed it needs a new roof to prevent further deterioration.
Commissioners and Dr. McComas (school official) said the building is in generally good condition but “needs a new roof,” and they cautioned that delaying replacement would worsen damage. Commissioner Nickerson noted that roofs on active K–12 schools typically carry a premium because work must occur during a short summer window; commissioners suggested that because the building is currently used intermittently (makerspace, independent learning days) the county might not face the same premium and should explore options.
The board asked Dr. McComas to research whether the building would be eligible for typical 50% state school-construction reimbursement (dependent on whether the facility is still considered a school for funding purposes) and to prepare bid options. Commissioners said they would consider bids and cost estimates once staff provides findings.
Why it matters: a failing roof can accelerate deterioration of an unused or lightly used public building and raise future replacement costs. Commissioners signaled an intent to pursue repair but asked staff to seek any available state funding before committing county funds.
Next steps: Dr. McComas to research state funding eligibility and work with county staff to prepare bidding documents and cost estimates for board consideration.
