Guilford County board authorizes emergency contracts to repair three elementary schools

The Guilford County Schools Board of Education voted unanimously July 13 to authorize Superintendent Dr. Taylor to enter into construction and related contracts to repair structural problems at Creech Road, Durant Road and Davis Drive elementary schools so long as funds are available in the district’s prep budget.

The action followed a presentation from district staff about an accelerating pattern of settling and cracking at three prototype-era elementary schools. "We sent the engineers out to look at this particular building, the concern was that they basically said that we could not occupy it without repairs," attorney Malone told the board, summarizing the June engineering assessment that prompted emergency action.

Why it matters: District leaders said engineers found movement that accelerated in the spring, raising safety and cost risks if repairs were delayed. Dr. Taylor told the board the assessment showed repairs needed to be started "immediately" in order for any chance of reopening the buildings by the start of the school year. The three affected campuses are Creech Road, Durant Road and Davis Drive elementaries; staff said they have identified similar prototype designs at other sites and will review all 203 district schools as part of follow-up assessments.

What staff said: David Burnett, who led the facilities update, said structural engineers are continuing nondestructive testing and that the team expects three separate scopes of work and three separate bid awards. "We expect it to be 3 different bid awards, and we expect to receive pricing later this week and to award these contracts later this week," Burnett said. He described likely repairs such as additional roof-deck-to-frame connections and strengthened steel-to-masonry ties; some work remains "TBD" until contractors and engineers finalize scopes.

Budget and procurement: Tricia Posey, speaking for the finance office, said board policy 64-20 and the School Budget Fiscal Control Act require each contract to be pre-audited to confirm available appropriations before the superintendent signs. Staff told the board they do not yet have a lump-sum cost; contractors will submit unit prices that will be multiplied by quantities to form contract awards. Attorney Malone told the board the motion limits the superintendent’s authority to funds available in the prep budget and promised fuller cost estimates at the next meeting.

Contingency planning and timeline: District leaders said Durant Road — a year-round school with a near-term start date — and Creech Road are highest priorities for contingency planning. Staff estimated work timelines in weeks rather than months, suggesting roughly a six-week expected duration in current projections but stressing uncertainty: "we're probably talking about a 6 week time frame," Dr. Taylor said, adding that the number could go up or down once repairs begin.

Board questions and next steps: Board members pressed staff on how other buildings will be identified and on family communications and displacement planning; the administration said it will meet after the special call to finalize contingency options and keep principals involved. Attorney Malone said administration will provide regular updates during the repair process and supply a list of all contracts entered by the superintendent no later than the September 15 board meeting.

Vote and implementation: Vice Chair Hershey moved the motion using language provided by counsel; Miss Edmonds seconded. The board conducted a roll-call vote and the chair announced the motion passed by unanimous consent. The superintendent may now proceed to execute contracts consistent with the limits discussed and subject to pre-audit certification.