McDowell County Schools approves $500,000 in capital projects for flooring and HVAC repairs

The McDowell County Schools Board on a unanimous 8–0 vote approved two capital projects totaling $500,000 to address aging floors and HVAC components across district schools.

Facilities director Chad Marsh asked the board to fund two separate capital allocations of $250,000 each. Marsh said the first would finance luxury vinyl tile (LVT) to replace worn carpet at schools such as West Marion Elementary and Pleasant Gardens, noting the measure would reduce cleaning and maintenance burdens. "I'm requesting an requesting an amount of $250,000," Marsh said when introducing the floor-covering request.

The board then approved a second $250,000 request for heating and cooling system work. Marsh described the need to replace failing mixing valves, address nearly 50-year-old insulation wrapped around piping and complete labeling and painting in boiler rooms at multiple sites. "This is more designed around our actual components of the systems, specifically our mixing valves," he told the board.

Board members moved and seconded the motions as the items were presented on the facilities agenda; both motions passed by raised-hand votes with all eight members recorded in favor. After the votes, Marsh and staff said the district will proceed with competitive quotes and scheduling of the work.

The approvals come amid a broader facilities push: the district reported receiving nearly $50 million in facilities funding over the last year and described other active projects including rooftop unit connections at Bagwell School and site drainage and ramp work.

The board did not specify contractors or exact project timelines during the meeting; staff said they will seek competitive bids and return with scheduling details.