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Board approves ARPA contract to add air conditioning to six school gymnasiums
Summary
The Chatham County Board of Education voted to approve an American Rescue Plan Act contract that will allow installation of air conditioning in six school gymnasiums if state legislative conditions and county funding align.
The Chatham County Board of Education voted to approve an American Rescue Plan Act contract that would add air conditioning to six school gymnasiums, district staff said. The board approved the measure by voice vote after discussion about timing and remaining gyms that still lack climate control.
The contract, presented as an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)–funded capital project, was described by a district staff member as aligning with district priorities for student health and safety and for facilities ("this item aligns with goals 2 and 4 of our priorities"). The staff member said the county had identified borrowed funds that could be used for the project if the North Carolina legislature approves enabling action; the county also agreed to provide any additional funds needed to complete the projects.
Board members asked about three gyms that would remain without air conditioning under the current schedule. One board member said the remaining gyms — named in the discussion as "Bennett, Bridal and Silco" in the meeting transcript — are slated to wait until the 2028–29 borrowing cycle unless other funding is found. Board members repeatedly urged county leaders to consider accelerating those projects when possible.
A board member moved that the Chatham County Board of Education approve the American Rescue Plan Act contract "as presented." Another board member seconded. The board approved the contract by voice vote; the transcript records a unanimous voice vote ("Aye") and does not record individual tallies.
The staff member and board discussed why the schedule had shifted. District staff said the county has bundled multiple projects to time borrowings for a better interest rate and to achieve efficiencies; because the project had previously been tied to a new elementary school and that schedule changed, the timing for some gym projects was delayed. The board emphasized the district is "shovel ready" and ready to begin work if the county’s borrowing and state approvals align.
The vote authorizes the district to proceed with the ARPA contract as presented; implementation depends on the county’s borrowing schedule and any state actions the staff described.
The board then moved on to other agenda items.
