Washington County commissioners advance Pre-K–12 school project, funding measure passes with one dissent

PLYMOUTH, N.C. — The Washington County Board of Commissioners on April 18 approved a series of actions to advance construction of a new Pre-K–12 school, voting to amend a funding agreement, accept prior change orders, authorize limited shop drawings and site preparation and approve a grant distribution request.

Chair Julius Walker, Jr. presided over the special called meeting in the Commissioners’ Room and on Zoom. County Manager and County Attorney Curtis Potter told the board that project staff were focused on three areas: the guaranteed maximum price, debt-service implications and the construction timeline.

Two Washington County teachers urged commissioners to proceed. Julie Simpson, speaking during public comment, said she supports building the new school even if it requires a tax increase and testified that the county's 2020 Census demographic mix differs from the student population. Tamara Wrighton, a county career-path instructor, said the new facility would broaden early career training opportunities for high-school and middle-school students.

Discussion on the funding agreement amendment included a question from Commissioner John C. Spruill about whether the county could own the property and lease the building to the school; Potter recommended that the question be taken to the project's steering committee for further study and return to the board. Commissioner Ann C. Keyes moved to approve the funding-agreement amendment; Commissioner Tracey A. Johnson seconded. The motion passed 3–1, with Commissioner Spruill recorded as the sole dissenting vote.

The board then approved previously presented change orders for the project. Commissioner Tracey A. Johnson moved to approve the change orders; Commissioner John C. Spruill seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Commissioner Johnson also moved to approve a Letter of Intent to proceed with limited shop drawings and site preparation; Commissioner Ann C. Keyes seconded and the board approved the action unanimously. During that discussion, Johnson asked whether suppliers could deliver materials without delay; Potter replied staff expected procurement would not cause hold-ups.

The board addressed a state grant matter next. Potter and County Finance Officer Missy Dixon told commissioners that two awards from the state's Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund remain recorded in the state's paperwork as separate items but that county staff had reported and were treating them as a single award for local management. Commissioner Spruill moved to approve the next distribution request under the grant; Commissioner Keyes seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Potter advised there was no need for a closed session. Commissioner Johnson moved to adjourn; Commissioner Keyes seconded and the meeting ended by unanimous vote.

Next steps: staff will take Commissioner Spruill’s ownership/lease question to the project steering committee and return recommendations to the Board for further action.