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Paul R. Brown Leadership Academy credits county capital outlay for gym, enrollment gains
Summary
School leaders thanked the county for capital outlay funds used to replace bleachers, add accessibility features and renovate a high‑school building; superintendent reported enrollment rose from 115 to 281 since 2022 and said the school has reinvested in the community.
Paul R. Brown Leadership Academy superintendent addressed the Bladen County Board of Commissioners to show before‑and‑after photos of gym improvements paid, in part, with county capital outlay funding. The superintendent described replacement of old bleachers with retractable, ADA‑accessible seating and ramps, refinishing the gym floor, adding a scores table and completing touch‑up painting.
He said the school has seen a notable enrollment increase since January 2022 (from 115 to 281 students) and credited community confidence and facilities improvements for the change. The superintendent also said the academy has reinvested in the community, stating that since Jan. 1, 2025 the school "invested over half a million" back into local projects and operations.
Commissioners thanked the school leadership and said they appreciated seeing the results of county funding. No county budget action was required at the meeting for the items presented; the presentation served as a report to show how prior capital outlay dollars were spent.
What this means: The board heard a use‑of‑funds report and public thanks from the academy. The presentation emphasized the visible community impact of capital funding and larger student enrollment, strengthening the case for continued local educational investment.
