Carteret county Schools

Our county’s citizens recognized the many needs of our school system and last November voted to endorse two bond referendums totaling $50 million. That support is vital to the students and staff of our school system, and that support is appreciated. Some citizens are now questioning whether they can continue to trust the schools to do the projects outlined in the bond referendums. I want to assure the taxpayers of this county every effort is being made to complete the bond projects within budget.

Within the last month, publication of the architectural firm’s early concept work and the accompanying cost estimates indicated excessive shortage in bond funds. The architect made that report in a public meeting before Board of Education members or school system staff had a chance to analyze the scope of work or to get other opinions regarding the cost estimates presented. That was unfortunate because much confusion and concern among Carteret County citizens has developed as a result.

Since that report, school system staff and Maready & Associates LLC, the firm hired for construction management, have analyzed the five projects the architect reviewed. Our analysis differs from the architect’s report and indicates four of the five projects can be completed as outlined in the bond. The projected costs for the projects at Bogue Sound Elementary, East Carteret High, Newport Elementary and White Oak Elementary are within budget. The auditorium at Croatan High appears to have a cost overrun of approximately $750,000, based on a 560-seat, 15,000-square-foot auditorium.

The bottom line is you the voters of the county recognized and endorsed the true needs of our school system. When these bond referendums passed, it was our promise to complete the work as outlined.

Roofing and heating ventilation/air conditioning work at other sites - Atlantic Elementary, Beaufort Middle, Broad Creek Middle, Harkers Island Elementary, Morehead Middle, Morehead City Primary, Smyrna Elementary, West Carteret High, the maintenance/transportation department and the central office – was not under the direction of the architect and those numbers for that work are being reviewed by school staff at this time. REI of Greenville, designers for the roof work, and Stanford White Associates, designers for the heating ventilation/air conditioning work, reports the work can be done for the bond budget figures. With inflation, the bidding process and other factors to consider, we know there are serious challenges ahead as we move forward on all the bond projects.

Please be assured, the $50 million approved in the two bond referendums last November will be spent as outlined to make the much needed improvements to our school facilities. We will continue to scrutinize all projects for savings. We will also work diligently to accomplish the bond projects endorsed by the voters and to fulfill the promises made.

Sincerely, Dr. David K. Lenker, Jr., Superintendent