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Board approves Article 46 capital requests including PAC lighting overhaul and equipment repairs

Swain County Board of Education · November 4, 2025
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Summary

The board approved an Article 46 funding request covering vehicle engine replacement, garage door repairs, a softball batting cage estimate, and a staged upgrade of the performing arts center lighting system; administrators discussed fundraising and phased implementation to reduce immediate local cost.

The Swain County Board of Education approved an Article 46 capital request that includes several maintenance and capital items: replacement of a diesel engine in a district flatbed/dump truck (with a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty), replacement of nonfunctioning garage doors at athletic/maintenance buildings, a $25,000 estimate for a softball batting cage slab and netting, and a multi-phase, backwards-compatible performing arts center (PAC) lighting and control overhaul.

Administration described the PAC work as a three-phase project to modernize aging lighting fixtures and a 30-year-old control board that is increasingly difficult to support; the proposed staged approach would replace systems over several years and reduce a previously estimated $300,000 overhaul to approximately $150,000 by phasing purchases and ensuring backward compatibility. Staff emphasized the building—s important role for concerts, graduations and school productions and said the upgrades represent a long-term investment.

Board members discussed fundraising and community donations for the batting cage and suggested routing a portion of revenue from community events to maintenance. Administrators noted that revenue generated by events has historically been limited and that much of the facility—s operating costs remain district-funded.

The Article 46 request was approved by motion and show of hands. Administration said they will pursue available funding and seek community donations where appropriate; the board discussed temporary borrowing or using existing capital to purchase materials immediately and then reimburse with the drawdown if approved by the county commissioners.