Duplin County Schools hears $125.38 million high‑school capital plan to replace modulars and add gyms

At its July business session, the Duplin County Schools board heard a presentation on a proposed capital plan that the presenter estimated would total $125,381,000 to renovate four high‑school campuses and one associated elementary campus, replace modular classrooms and add new gyms, tennis courts and CTE upgrades.

The plan, presented by Jimmy Hite, laid out site and building concepts for each campus and identified shared improvements such as new fire alarms and intercom systems, asbestos abatement where needed, upgraded parking and queuing to move traffic off public roads, and replacement of temporary modular classrooms. "We feel like it's a good projection representation of what these projects with this scope would cost today," Hite said, describing the cost figure as a structured estimate based on per‑square‑foot assumptions.

Hite described elements at individual campuses: one campus plan included 19 new classrooms and a new 1,200‑seat competition gym with lobby and restrooms; other sites showed two‑story classroom additions, covered walks, renovated courtyards repurposed for instruction, new band and CTE spaces, expanded bus and parent parking, and replacement of worn sidewalks. At James Keenan High School the plan emphasizes improved vehicular queuing, a new competition gym, a new track and replacement of the softball field. At the Hill/Wallace site the proposal included six tennis courts and additional EC classrooms; at the more site‑restricted North Goodwin campus Hite proposed shifting middle grades into the adjacent elementary to create a K–8 configuration and free space for high‑school additions, plus a new cafeteria and separate kitchen for high‑school students.

Board members asked technical questions about vocational and Exceptional Children spaces and about escalation if construction were delayed. Hite said a 5% annual increase is a reasonable rule of thumb for escalation though actual rates can vary. One board member urged urgency, saying, according to the transcript, that if the board does not start moving now "it could be another 40, 50 years" before major improvements happen.

The presentation included a cost recap that the presenter described as an estimate—dollarized by line items and per‑square‑foot allowances but not a final contract price. The board thanked Hite for the work and agreed to pursue next steps, including setting a time to meet jointly with the county commissioners to share the plan and seek funding and grant opportunities.

The board did not take a binding vote on the capital plan at the meeting; members signaled support to continue planning and to work on the funding piece going forward.