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Board unanimously approves application for state needs‑based capital grant to fund Elmhurst security, classroom expansion
Summary
The board approved a motion authorizing the district to apply to the state’s Needs‑Based Public School Capital Fund for Elmhurst security improvements and a four‑classroom addition; the county would be responsible for a roughly 15% local match estimated at $1.5 million if selected.
The Pitt County Board of Education voted unanimously to authorize staff to apply for the state Needs‑Based Public School Capital Fund to support security upgrades and a four‑classroom addition at Elmhurst, with the county responsible for the local match if the project is selected.
Aaron Erickson, who presented the item under operations, explained how the fund works: the state typically budgets between $300 million and $350 million annually for the program, while districts statewide request roughly $4 billion in projects. The program weights applications using the district’s five‑year facility needs survey (the board is referencing the 2021 survey while the 2025–26 survey is not yet available) and other criteria such as consolidation of facilities.
Erickson described the Elmhurst proposal as security improvements that include closing in hallways, a four‑classroom addition and expanded administrative space. He said the project’s construction cost is “just over $10,000,000” and, based on Pitt County’s economic standing, the district’s required local match would be 15 percent — about $1,500,000 — with the state covering the remainder using lottery funds.
Board member Kevin moved the motion; Amy seconded. Chair Tripp called for the vote by show of hands and the motion carried unanimously.
The approval permits staff to proceed with the state application and requests that county commissioners consider the required local match should the state approve the project. No final county appropriation was made at the meeting.
