Surry County board approves needs‑based grant application for two high‑school renovation phases

The Surry County Schools Board of Education on Sept. 1 approved submitting a needs‑based public school capital fund application that pares earlier full‑renovation requests down to phase‑1 projects at East Surry High School and Surry Central High School.

Superintendent Dr. Travis Reeves told the board the district will seek roughly $18 million for each campus — a combined total near $36 million — to fund new kitchens and cafeterias (including a cafetorium), new entrances and administrative spaces, and measures to separate bus and car traffic. "There is a 5% match, match, on top of whatever we ask for," Dr. Reeves said, noting the county commissioners must commit the required local match if the grant is awarded. The application is due Sept. 13.

Board chair Mr. Badgett stressed that proposed work will include security improvements at school entrances. He described the upgrades as "sorely needed" and said they will help isolate visitors as they arrive. The superintendent and staff said the draft application pairs down previous, larger requests to focus on initial construction phases that will make an immediate difference at the two campuses.

On a motion to approve that the district submit the application and take the packet to county commissioners for their approval, the board voted in favor. Board members discussed funding mechanics and confirmed the county's 5% match commitment would be sought from the commissioners following the board's approval.

If the grant is awarded, district staff said the county match and additional design and construction planning would follow; no contract awards, construction schedules or firm financing beyond the application were decided at the meeting. The board's action authorizes staff to finalize and transmit the Sept. 13 application and to seek commissioner approval of the required match.