Board discusses Carthage site, bond timing and options for new elementary and high school

Board members used the Nov. 3 work session to review site selection and bonding options for a proposed Carthage Elementary School and a future high school, with staff and trustees urging rapid stakeholder engagement to reduce controversy ahead of possible bond planning.

Mr. Hensley described the district—s position: the district has a parcel that could serve as an elementary school site but faces some stakeholder opposition. He suggested preparing parallel plans for (a) a combined elementary and high-school bond package and (b) a high-school-only bond, while pursuing a community-engagement process designed to identify a noncontroversial elementary site that might be paid for in cash, thereby focusing any bond referendum on the high school.

"If we can take the controversy out of that and have all the stakeholders happy, I am quite sure that we can pay cash for the elementary school and then just focus on the high school," Mr. Hensley said. Trustees and staff discussed timelines for a November 2026 bond referendum and the need for prompt meetings with town and county officials, including an imminent board-to-board meeting with the town of Carthage.

The superintendent and facilities staff said they are preparing RFQs and cost estimates for both elementary and high-school options and will coordinate with county commissioners and Carthage town officials. Board members asked staff to accelerate construction-committee meetings and to solicit input from residents who may not attend heated public meetings, suggesting surveys or facilitated listening sessions.

No formal vote was taken. Staff will continue committee work and return with refined cost estimates, preferred site options, and a community engagement plan ahead of any bond decision.