BURGAW, NC – Pender County residents voted in favor of the $178 million school bond during the November 8, 2022 election. According to the unofficial vote count, just over 54% voted in favor of the bond.
"I want to commend the Pender County BOE and district staff for their hard work to provide quality information and insight to the community about the purpose of the bond." said incoming Superintendent Dr. Brad Breedlove. "I am very honored and thankful to begin my work in Pender County which has shown its commitment to a high quality education system. This bond is a very important step to assist our school system to meet the needs of all students. Thank you to all those who worked and voted to make this happen."
Dr. Breedlove will officially begin as Superintendent on January 1, 2023.
Money from the bond will be used for the construction of an elementary and middle school on a site still to be determined by the County. Renovations are also planned at Topsail Middle School, Rocky Point Elementary School and Burgaw Middle School. Plans also include construction of a new Central Services Building and a new eight-bay Maintenance Building.
"Thank you to the residents of Pender County for supporting education and Pender County Schools.” Said Dr. Michael Bracy, Interim Superintendent of Pender County Schools. “Tuesday was the culmination of a lot of hard work, and we're not finished. This is an exciting time to be part of Pender County Schools and this bond will help our district continue to be one of the education leaders in our region."
According to a timeline, the planned construction of the first project is set to begin in June 2023 with the first school estimated to open in June 2025. The completion of all projects is scheduled for the Fall of 2027. All dates are subject to change.
"It's an exciting day for Pender County Schools.” Said Board of Education Chair Brad George. “With the passing of this bond we can continue to move the district ahead to new levels of achievement. Work starts now."
For more information on the school bond follow this link.