Superintendent seeks $871,250 for A&E work, touts school budget fixes; board approves contract

Dr. Sears told the Board that school finances have improved since last month but that FY26 remains in a deficit range driven by prior grant timing and enrollment losses. He asked the board to approve $871,250 to engage RRMM for architectural and engineering work on HVAC projects at Rocky Mount, Callaway and Snow Creek elementary schools, arguing that continuing with the existing contract would allow the division to keep the projects on a faster timeline. "I have to be honest and say that ever since coming to Franklin County it has felt more like I'm having to liquidate an excellent school division," Dr. Sears said, describing staffing reductions and the need to protect instruction while addressing capital needs.

Supervisors discussed whether to re‑RFP design services or proceed under the current contract; several favored moving quickly to preserve the construction schedule. Supervisor Quinn explicitly noted that doing A&E work for all three schools together could produce savings and said he supported proceeding with RRMM. The board voted by roll call to approve the $871,250 A&E authorization and to return the CIP update at a future meeting. Dr. Sears also urged early planning and outreach for a 1¢ school capital referendum to appear on the November ballot so the public can weigh in on funding larger projects.