Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Security topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves $2.18 million appropriation to expand secure vestibules across county schools
Summary
Transylvania County approved reallocating bond savings and appropriating $2,184,218 from the Education Capital Fund to fund a standardized secure vestibule design at all schools; the overall expanded security standard is estimated at $5.4 million and the Board authorized up to 5% scope transfers between projects when agreed by County Manager and Superintendent.
The Transylvania County Board of Commissioners approved a budget amendment on June 22, 2026, to fund an expanded, standardized secure vestibule design at all county schools. The Board authorized an appropriation of $2,184,218 from the Education Capital Fund balance and approved authority to transfer up to 5% between project scopes when the County Manager and Superintendent agree.
Superintendent Dr. Lisa Fletcher and Project Manager Beecher Allison described a prototype vestibule developed with principals and school staff that establishes a single point of entrance, visitor screening, improved staff visibility, integration with law enforcement response, intruder delay elements, and consistent security standards across different school layouts. The expanded standard grew from subcommittee review and school input; staff identified $3.2 million in reallocated savings within existing bond scopes and proposed the $2.18 million appropriation to cover the remaining cost.
Commissioners discussed SRO placement and operational coordination. Commissioner Chase McKelvey noted the collaborative approach that used existing savings to limit new appropriations. Commissioner McKelvey moved to approve the appropriation and transfer authority; Commissioner Jason Chappell seconded the motion and the Board approved it unanimously.
Staff said the change would not delay the overall bond project timeline, which remains on track for completion of bond‑funded projects by the end of 2028. The Superintendent and County Manager will continue coordinating final designs and limited public disclosure of site‑specific security details for safety reasons.
