Lenoir County board approves revised E.B. Frink Middle School construction budget, prequalification policy and land-transfer agreement

The Lenoir County Board of Education on April 7 approved a revised budget for the E.B. Frink Middle School construction project, adopted a prequalification policy for contractors and later approved a land‑transfer agreement with the town of LaGrange following a closed session.

Board Chair Harvey opened discussion on the revised construction budget after district staff and the project manager said weekly coordination with Metcon, the construction manager, had produced an updated, more detailed budget and timeline. Superintendent Williams said the board had not drawn down any grant funds yet and that the district must request funds through the Lenoir County Board of Commissioners, who receive the state grant disbursements.

The board approved a policy to prequalify bidders for construction projects, described in the meeting as policy 9115, intended to evaluate contractors’ experience, manpower, equipment and business practices before awarding public construction contracts. The board’s attorney advised the policy was appropriate to add to the district’s policies while construction is underway.

During discussion of the revised construction budget, administrators said the overall grant package called for a 5% local match. Presenters stated the revised categorical budget reflects a $52,000,000 grant with a $2,600,000 local match, which the district said would be split as $1.6 million from the school district and $1.0 million from the Lenoir County Board of Commissioners. Superintendent Williams and staff said Metcon expected most bid packages to come in at or under estimates, though some packages may require rebidding.

Board members then voted to approve the revised budget and to move forward with the Centimeters-at-risk (construction manager at‑risk) process and contract oversight with Metcon. Dr. Alois Stockett moved the motion; Lisa Davis seconded. The motion carried by a board hand vote.

After the public session, the board entered a closed session under North Carolina statute to discuss personnel and negotiations; upon return the board approved a land transfer agreement with the town of LaGrange. The board did not state additional public details about terms in open session.

The board directed staff to continue working with Metcon, to prepare a month‑by‑month timeline and benchmarks for public review, and to submit the approved revised budget to the county as the first step in requesting state grant draws.

Board members said a detailed line‑item budget from Metcon will be presented at the May meeting. The board also noted required monthly, quarterly and annual reporting tied to the grant and the local match requirement.