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School board backs temporary Bowling Green project 6-0 as dispute over supervisors' MOU and funds remains unresolved
Summary
CCPS said the Bowling Green modular classrooms were purchased and delivered after supervisors conditioned release of funds on an expansion plan and an MOU; the school board voted 6-0 on June 9 to support the project contingent on a mutually agreed MOU, but CCPS and supervisors have not agreed on the MOU's terms.
Caroline County Public Schools said the division moved quickly to add temporary capacity at Bowling Green after procurement opportunities and reappropriated year-end funds became available, but a disagreement with county supervisors over an accompanying memorandum of understanding has left authority questions unresolved.
Stevens said supervisors made release of FY24 year-end funds contingent on the school board approving a Bowling Green expansion plan discussed at a joint meeting. Facing procurement deadlines, the school board voted 6-0 on June 9 to support a Bowling Green project contingent on a mutually agreed memorandum of understanding.
After the funds were ultimately released, CCPS issued a purchase order on June 1. Stevens said work from June through August included site-plan approvals, site and utility preparations, fencing, modular construction and delivery, and installation of technology and furniture. A certificate of occupancy was issued August 26, teachers moved in August 28 and six second-grade classrooms opened September 2.
Stevens said the supervisors’ adopted MOU included provisions she described as requiring the school board to relinquish ownership and construction authority, which she characterized as conflicting with rights in the Code of Virginia and the Virginia Constitution. CCPS submitted a revised draft that was not accepted and Stevens said board attorneys have not yet reached agreement on a final MOU.
The division said the speed of the Bowling Green modular delivery (completed in 92 days) was notable but that timetable is not generally repeatable; a more realistic timeline for similar projects is closer to 10 months for site work and construction. Stevens said the school board’s unacknowledged FY25 reappropriation request for Lewis and Clark means a previously stated completion target of June 30, 2026, is no longer feasible without further supervisor action.
Outcome: The board supported the Bowling Green project 6-0 contingent on an MOU, the modular classrooms are in use, and the legal/ownership dispute over the MOU remains unresolved between CCPS and county supervisors.
