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District consultants present three bond options: replace Hillsborough site, buy greenfield land, or build K–8
Summary
Project consultants laid out three scenarios for use of the $125 million bond passed in November 2024 — rebuild on the Hillsborough Elementary site, acquire a greenfield site for a new elementary, or construct a new K–8 — and highlighted tradeoffs in land, topography, schedule and escalating construction costs.
Consultants and district staff on Monday presented three high‑level options for how Orange County Schools might spend the $125 million bond approved by voters in November 2024, and they outlined next steps for community engagement and detailed feasibility work.
Mr. Steve Hess of Project Management Consultants told the board the district has three principal paths under study: build a new K–5 on the existing Hillsborough Elementary site (an on‑site replacement); purchase a greenfield parcel and construct a new K–5 on that land; or build a new K–8 (likely an on‑site replacement at Hillsborough, Gravely Hill Middle School or Orange Middle School).
Hess said the Hillsborough site poses design challenges — it has about 10 acres versus a recommended minimum of 15 acres and substantial grade changes — and that finding swing space for the year‑round program during construction would add cost. A greenfield site would reduce construction risk and scheduling complexity but would require land acquisition (land scarcity and high prices were noted) and could trigger redistricting and transportation changes. Building a K–8 could deliver more square footage in a single construction cycle and avoid future escalation risk, but it would be more expensive up front and could concentrate a large portion of the bond on one campus.
District staff emphasized tradeoffs among time, scope and budget. The consultants identified Gravelly Hill Middle School as the largest site (roughly 45 acres) and Orange Middle/High School campus as having room for reconfiguration but with traffic and topography constraints. Board members asked about capacity, community growth patterns (including new charter/private/homeschool enrollments), the impact of tractor‑trailer traffic near Gravely Hill, and whether the county might partner on use of surplus sites. The district said it will hold community engagement meetings the week of Feb. 24 and March 3 and launch an online survey to gather broader input before returning to the board with refined scenarios.
No formal action was taken; staff and consultants said they will return with a cost feasibility analysis, updated site comparisons and engagement results ahead of a March board meeting.
