Superintendent presents facilities survey and pitches needs‑based grant to replace Thomasville High

Dr. Rodney Shotwell presented the district's five‑year facilities survey and used the data to make the case for applying for a state needs‑based grant to replace Thomasville High School. He said the survey compiles building condition, mechanical systems, capacity and classroom data and that the state last estimated a multibillion‑dollar maintenance backlog in 2020. "If we make it the the, possibility of getting the needs based grant to replace Thomasville High School, that really gives us a lot of, leverage with the statewide bond," Shotwell told the board as he reviewed floor plans, engineering sketches and letters of support included in the draft application.

Shotwell outlined line‑item issues that will affect cost estimates — plumbing replacement, drainage, and HVAC upgrades — and stressed the competitive grant scoring benefits of consolidating two schools into one location and emphasizing career and technical education (CTE). He told the board staff will ask Davidson County commissioners for a county match (he described a request in the neighborhood of $15 million of an available $30 million set aside for city systems) and urged board members to help present a compelling case Thursday morning before the commissioners. Board members pressed for clearer construction documents, a concrete project timeline for commissioners, and confirmation that submitted materials include appropriate engineering and bid/contract options; Shotwell said the application includes floor plans and illustrative documents and that SFLA (the design partner) remains engaged and will join the county presentation.