Wake County Schools presents $2.97 billion, seven-year CIP; board debates HVAC systems, staffing and technology priorities

Wake County Schools staff presented an update to the seven-year capital improvement program (CIP) and an executive summary of new- and existing-school funding, then the school board spent substantial time debating HVAC systems, preventive maintenance and staffing to support district facilities.

Mark Cooney, program controls director with SB&C, said the CIP update covers fiscal 2026–2032 and includes new-school construction, existing-school renovation and program requirements. The presentation showed a seven-year bond-program total of about $2.967 billion and highlighted changes including site moves and additional funding needs for several new schools.

Cooney told the board the proposed funding shift includes moving funding for a large high school project (Mooresville High School) to the Davis Drive site and adding parking-deck and stadium funding to make the site a full-size high school; the program estimate for that project is roughly $176.4 million. Other changes cited included Marshburn Road Elementary (formerly an E-57 placeholder) and a new designation for Pool Road (E-28) with possible community partnerships.

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