Superintendent updates board on enrollment, high‑school demolition plans and new programs

Superintendent Dr. Shotwell told the Weldon City Schools board the district’s first days of school showed improving attendance, with the meeting record reporting roughly 527 students on day one, 563 on day two and 571 on days three and four.

Dr. Shotwell also addressed ongoing work at the old high school building, saying the site is secured and that staff are planning asbestos abatement likely in mid‑to‑late September before demolition. She said the district is exploring a surplus sale of items from the building if feasible before demolition and will follow North Carolina statutory thresholds when determining the disposition method. The board discussed using auction houses to manage a sale; staff said auctioneer fees historically range about 15–40% of sale proceeds.

On curriculum and student services, the board approved a purchase of Edmentum courseware for grades 6–12 (70 concurrent seats) to be used for course recovery and other needs. The finance report also noted replacement of 15 of 18 HVAC actuators at the middle‑high school for $23,685 and contract services for bus routing ($14,400 for six months).

Facilities staff reported the new chiller installation remains on schedule for late October or early November and outlined upcoming bid releases and an OAC meeting schedule tied to the new school project; staff said bid packages are being prepared and that award recommendations will later be presented to the board.

Staff will email board members details on upcoming meetings and bid dates; the superintendent said the district will notify the board if auction planning or abatement schedules require a special meeting to declare surplus or take other formal actions.