Officials report New Hanover High renovation on schedule, phase 2B planned for summer; community engagement event set Feb. 27

District facilities staff updated the New Hanover County Schools Board Feb. 4 on progress at New Hanover High School and plans for master planning and community engagement.

The presentation said work in “Phase 2A” — removal and replacement of the eastern and western flanking walls — is on schedule and slightly under budget after a change order approved in December. District staff described the upcoming Phase 2B scope as repairs to the south elevation facing Market Street and interior improvements needed to reoccupy classrooms for the start of the next school year; the board was told Phase 2B work will be included in an upcoming change order but is already covered in county funding.

Staff also said construction of the security vestibule, paused after structural issues, will recommence in May and run through the summer in coordination with the project’s contractor and construction manager. Facilities staff are conducting a facility assessment and master planning process funded by the county; a completed assessment with cost estimates is expected by April. The district has scheduled a community engagement series at Prince Street Gym on Feb. 27 with student and staff sessions during the day and a public meeting in the evening.

Board members responded positively and asked for further detail about remaining scopes, including athletic locker rooms and shower facilities, and thanked county partners for funding. The board asked staff to provide follow‑up estimates and to continue scheduling community input sessions.

Next steps: Staff will bring a Phase 2B change order for approval at a future meeting and publish details about the Feb. 27 engagement events.