Washington County commissioners approve funding pact, authorize joint grant application for new Pre-K–12 school

PLYMOUTH, N.C. — The Washington County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 24 voted unanimously to approve an interlocal funding agreement that will allow the county to finance construction of a new Pre-K–12 school and authorized a joint application for the Needs Based Public Schools Capital Grant.

Chair Tracey A. Johnson said the project is “unprecedented,” adding the money identified for the project can only be spent on a new school and that county staff believe they can proceed without raising property taxes. County Manager and County Attorney Curtis Potter reviewed the funding agreement and related documents and said the county will initially carry some early payments because Washington County Schools cannot pay more than $400,000 per year toward debt service.

The Board was told debt service is structured for a 20-year period and that project funds have increased by about $10 million to approximately $50 million, with gyms added to the design. Potter also stated the school board had approved using ESSER funds to pay the architect’s fees, which he said are currently about $3.5 million.

Resident Lloyd Jones of Roper asked whether the school system would pay rent. Potter said the county will own the building initially and the school system will pay about $400,000 a year as a lease when they occupy the facility; at a later date the property will be conveyed to the school and maintenance responsibility would shift. Jones said he was “disturbed over Pines Elementary” and that “some teeth need to be put into the new school to keep it better maintained.” Potter responded that maintenance terms will be included in the lease.

Commissioner Julius Walker moved to approve RESO 2022-030, the interlocal funding agreement for the Pre-K–12 school; Commissioner Ann C. Keyes seconded and the measure passed on a 4–0 roll-call vote. Potter said Dr. Carr provided the joint grant application tied to the project; Commissioner Keyes moved to approve RESO 2022-032, authorizing submission of the Needs Based Public Schools Capital Grant application, Commissioner William R. “Bill” Sexton Jr. seconded, and the Board approved it 4–0.

Resident George Swain asked where the public could see comparable facilities; Chair Johnson pointed to similar schools in Hoke and Jones counties. The Board adjourned following a motion by Sexton, seconded by Walker, carried unanimously.

Next steps identified in the meeting record are signature on the joint application and continued coordination between county staff and Washington County Schools; the minutes incorporated referenced documents (funding agreement and application) by reference but did not list implementation deadlines or a construction schedule.