BOARD MEETING INFORMATION PACKET
BURGAW, NC - The Pender County Board of Education met Tuesday, August 4, for its regular monthly meeting, which included updates on district growth, emergency preparedness, construction projects, and several action items.
Representatives from NC State University’s Institute for Transportation Research and Education (ITRE) presented enrollment forecasts and school capacity information. The report identified continued growth across Pender County, including approximately 63 pending residential developments representing more than 12,700 additional dwelling units. District membership is projected to increase from 10,892 students in 2025–2026 to 17,407 students by 2035–2036, increasing capacity pressures, especially in eastern Pender County.
ITRE also outlined a community engagement process that will include the Board, school leaders, a community advisory board, and the broader public. Surveys, meetings, and public information sessions are planned throughout fall 2026, with final recommendations and a report expected by January 2027.
The Board also received an update from Pender County Emergency Management regarding the installation of a permanent emergency generator at C.F. Pope Elementary School. The county received $416,803 through the Emergency Management Capacity Building Competitive Grant program for the project. A 500-kilowatt generator and automatic transfer switch were installed, completed, and successfully tested by the June 30, 2026 deadline. The generator will provide backup power for regular school operations and emergency shelter use.
Emergency Management also shared information about hurricane preparedness as the district monitors the tropics during the start of the school year. Pender County Schools maintains a comprehensive Emergency Preparedness Plan, and staff reviewed highlights of that plan.
On the action agenda, the Board approved the sale of surplus Child Nutrition cafeteria equipment, with proceeds returning to the Child Nutrition Department. The Board also approved two J.H. Lea construction change orders, MBP Pay Application No. 11 in the amount of $18,924, and Bordeaux Construction Company Pay Application No. 25 in the amount of $5,455,544.39. All J.H. Lea payments will be made from allocated bond funding.
The Board also considered a request from HES Facilities for a 3.5% annual CPI adjustment to the district’s custodial services contract. No motion was made, and the item did not move forward.
One item of note from the Consent Agenda was a revised Board Meeting Calendar which moves Regular Board Meetings from the second Tuesday of the month to the first Tuesday. This item, along with all others on the Consent Agenda, was approved.