Board approves recommended uses of county-held 8.88 funds, prioritizing Civic Center and east-wing repairs

The Caswell County Board of Education voted to approve staff recommendations for spending the county-held 8.88 capital allocation, directing staff to move forward with stated repairs while preparing a facilities plan and itemized project lists for one-, three-, five- and 10-year horizons.

Board discussion focused on differences between two spreadsheets staff provided: the original list and an updated version that restored work at the Civic Center and adjusted Stony Creek items to remain within the 8.88 limit. Board members pressed staff to clarify which specific east-wing repairs were included or deferred; staff repeatedly said the Civic Center was added back to the newer sheet and that some Stony Creek items were removed to keep totals under the cap.

Finance staff (Brook) told the board the district was working to ensure the funds are expended by June 30 and said plainly, "we are going to try to spend all of it, right?" Board members asked for final invoices from vendors and for staff to work with the county commission to ensure reimbursements are properly documented.

Board members also requested a comprehensive facilities plan and a detailed list of necessary repairs so future county requests can be supported with documentation, photos and cost estimates; staff agreed to produce itemized line lists and to coordinate with the Department of Public Instruction and the county on usage rules (including lottery funds and matching requirements).

On a motion the board approved the recommended spending package and authorized staff to proceed with ordering and completing approved work to the extent possible before the June 30 deadline.