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Wake County schools flag aging facilities and possible bond referendum as costs rise
Summary
Superintendent Robert P. Taylor warned that aging school buildings and rising costs could prompt a school-construction bond referendum later this year and described prior $17 million in strategic budget reductions amid uncertain federal and state funding.
In his State of the Schools address, Wake County Superintendent Dr. Robert P. Taylor said the district faces pressing facilities needs and financial uncertainty that may require a voter-approved construction bond.
"Many of our schools are buildings that are aging. Some require major renovations, while others need infrastructure upgrades," Taylor said, outlining long-term capital priorities including new elementary schools in growing areas and significant renovations across the district.
Taylor said county leaders are reviewing those needs and that "a school construction bond referendum may be considered later this year as one potential tool to help address those needs." He framed the referendum as one option under review rather than a finalized plan.
On fiscal management, Taylor said the district received a clean annual comprehensive financial audit and identified $17 million in strategic budget reductions last year intended to minimize classroom impact. He warned that projected federal funding adjustments, an unfinished state budget and rising transportation and utility costs mean the community will face hard choices.
The superintendent called for partnership across government, business and families to sustain current services and to make targeted investments for the district's long-term infrastructure needs. He asked the audience to watch for county deliberations and any timeline for a proposed referendum.
