The Moore County School Board endorsed SFLA Architects as the recommended designer for a proposed prototype comprehensive high school and voted to ask the firm to accept contract language limiting political contributions related to the bond and local campaigns during the contract period.

Ms. Purvis briefed the board that a selection panel unanimously recommended SFLA, which offered a flat design fee of $8,800,000 (described as about 5.6% of construction) and agreed to prepare renderings and pre‑bond outreach materials at no charge to the district. Robbie Ferris, SFLA’s CEO, told the board the prototype has been built multiple times in North Carolina and is intended to reduce cost and accelerate schedule.

SFLA representatives described a two‑story “H‑plan” prototype that can be scaled from roughly 1,200 to 1,800 students, explained safety and energy features and discussed a precast construction option intended to shorten the building window. The firm presented a preliminary project estimate of roughly $157.7 million excluding land; SFLA said bidding and permitting activity would depend on site selection and LGC requirements.

During discussion, board member Hensley proposed adding a clause to the design contract that ‘‘to the greatest extent allowed by law’’ SFLA, its principals and partners would not contribute to bond marketing campaigns or political candidates (county commissioners or school board members) during the contract period. Board counsel warned of First Amendment and legal limits but said the board could request contractual language within the law; SFLA signaled willingness to include the commitment.

The motion, as refined and reviewed by counsel, passed 6‑1. The endorsement is contingent on legal review and on the bond funding the project; SFLA’s $8.8 million design fee would be billed only if the bond is approved and the project proceeds. The board asked staff to work with county leaders on site selection and to provide commissioners with renderings and budget detail to inform any bond process.