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Cumberland County asks state delegation for $65 million toward new E.E. Smith high school
Summary
County officials told North Carolina legislators the county — a Tier 1, low-tax-base jurisdiction with a large military population — is asking for $65 million toward construction of a new high school identified as a priority in a county facilities study.
Cumberland County officials asked the state’s legislative delegation for $65 million to help build a new state-of-the-art high school identified in the county schools’ facilities plan.
County presenters said the county is a Tier 1 jurisdiction with a low tax base and a substantial military-connected student population tied to Fort Liberty, and that the schools’ comprehensive needs study lists more than $800 million in renovations, maintenance and new construction needs.
The county’s presentation listed an estimated total cost of about $130 million for a single new high school and said the county’s $65 million request would be a partial state contribution, roughly half of that estimated cost. “The estimated total cost for a new state of the art school is about a hundred and $30,000,000 and so our ask is at 65,000,000,” the county presenter said during the briefing.
Why it matters: County leaders said replacing aging school buildings is a strategic priority because many campuses date from the 1950s and the school system’s plan identifies dozens of projects. Commissioners and delegation members discussed how a new facility could affect redistricting and consolidation plans, and whether federal funding tied to military-connected students could help offset costs.
Supporting details: Delegation members asked how many E.E. Smith students are military connected; the county said prior boards had explored federal funding possibilities and that staff have met with the Fort Liberty garrison commander to discuss land or other support. The county also said the school board committed to a six-month process to study redistricting and repurposing of existing schools if new construction moves forward.
County officials described blending local, state and federal sources for the overall $800+ million program and said the $65 million request is intended to leverage other funding rather than cover total costs. Superintendent comments were referenced during the briefing; Dr. Collins, the schools’ superintendent, was cited as monitoring federal funding prospects for education.
Next steps: County staff said they would continue site selection conversations and follow up with the delegation on enrollment, redistricting timelines and connections to Fort Liberty. No formal vote or state action occurred during the briefing.
