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Board approves $9.5M capital package, moves toward energy-performance contract and elementary iPad rollout
Summary
Trustees unanimously cleared FY26-27 capital projects (approx. $9.5M issuance timing benefit), authorized work toward a Schneider Electric energy-performance contract, and approved an elementary iPad and teacher device refresh plan presented as a longer-term instructional technology shift.
The Cherokee County School District board unanimously approved its FY2026-27 capital projects package, a larger-than-usual issuance driven by favorable bond timing meant to support deferred maintenance and prepare for an upcoming energy-performance contract.
Finance and operations staff said the $9.5 million figure reflected timing advantages for bond issuance and would fund a mix of school requests and a miscellaneous capital contingency. The administration noted that major HVAC and building-envelope replacements would be executed under an energy-performance contract to be implemented this fall after an energy audit by Schneider Electric.
Trustees questioned several line items during the capital discussion, including a $100,000 remediation for a knee wall omission at the recently completed Gaffney softball facility and two $120,000 metal storage buildings to house large band props at Gaffney and Blacksburg. Operations staff explained the band storage buildings are intended to replace trailers and consolidate props and competition equipment.
The board also discussed a proposed technology refresh: instead of the previously planned Chromebook refresh, the district presented a move to iPads at the elementary level (K–5) with teacher MacBooks/MacBook Neo devices to improve classroom collaboration and make use of Apple Classroom functionality. Administrators said the per-device cost was slightly higher but expected longer-term resale value and educational advantages; teachers would receive training and devices before the start of school.
Votes at a glance - Capital projects FY2026-27 — approved unanimously. - Chromebook→iPad rollout for elementary and teacher device refresh — discussed and included as part of capital/technology planning.
What trustees stressed Trustees pressed for cost controls and for projects to reflect actual school needs; staff agreed to follow up with principals on specific mobile-unit remodel priorities and to coordinate with the county on any road-right-of-way issues tied to facility projects.
Next steps Administration will proceed with bond issuance timing, finalize the energy‑performance scope with Schneider Electric, and plan device rollouts and teacher training in summer implementation phases.
