School Capital Fund Commission Meeting | July 30, 2026

On July 30, 2026, the Buncombe County School Capital Fund Commission held a regular meeting to address administrative approvals, annual officer appointments, and updates on capital projects. The session focused on finalizing the commission’s leadership structure, approving a revised schedule for future meetings, and reviewing the status of the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) additional projects budget.

The commission took several formal actions during the meeting. The agenda was adopted by a vote of 3-0. The commission then approved the minutes from the April 27, 2026, regular meeting and the May 28, 2026, special meeting, both by a vote of 3-0. Regarding annual officer appointments, the commission reappointed Terri Wells as Chair, George Sieburg as Vice-Chair, and Keri Clark as Secretary, with each appointment passing by a vote of 3-0. The commission also approved a proposed schedule of future meetings, which includes dates for September 28, 2026, February 22, 2027, April 8, 2027, and April 19, 2027.

During the discussion on the future meeting schedule, a staff member explained that the April 8, 2027, meeting was moved to a Thursday to create a buffer between the capital planning process and project requests, while also avoiding conflicts with school spring breaks and Board of Education meetings. The commission also addressed the FY27 Additional Projects Budget Amendment, noting that the Board of County Commissioners had approved additional project recommendations on July 21, 2026. This approval included funding for the Asheville High School security project and various Buncombe County Schools projects, bringing the total approved FY27 funding to $42,183,186.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to recognizing Matt Evans, the Financial Planning and Analysis Manager, for his service. Members noted that this was his final meeting with the commission before he moves to a finance officer role in Connecticut. Several members expressed gratitude for his contributions since 2018 or 2019, stating that the commission’s structure and financial health improved significantly under his tenure. The commission also recognized Dr. Jennifer Reed, who is serving as the Interim Superintendent of Buncombe County Schools.

Staff provided status updates on various capital projects included in the budget amendment. For Buncombe County Schools, staff reported that demo work at Valley Springs Middle will start as soon as permits are released, spending has begun on district-wide network infrastructure, and contracts for phased roof replacements at C.A. Erwin Middle are being signed. Roof replacements at Oak Buncombe Middle and Leicester Elementary are going out for bid, and purchase orders were issued this week for the North Buncombe High fire alarm replacement. Staff are meeting with principals in the coming weeks to create plans for playground replacements at W.W. Estes Elementary and Emma Elementary, with scheduling potentially occurring during Christmas or next summer to avoid shutting down active playgrounds. The Black Mountain Primary Car Rider Line expansion is expected to be completed by the beginning of 2027, and a proposal for the BCS Aquatics mechanical and building upfit was requested via purchase order. For Asheville City Schools, staff reported that the security project design Request for Qualifications is 90% complete and is expected to be released next week, with the design team selected the week after.

In open discussion, a commission member expressed surprise at a notification that Jackson County is considering a $105 million bond proposal, noting it is a large bond for that system. Another member clarified that the next consideration for General Obligation bond proposals would be approximately two years from now, as bonds must go on the ballot. The chair thanked everyone for their understanding regarding a recent reschedule and highlighted a positive economic development announcement from the U.S. Commerce Department as exciting news for the community.

As a follow-up to the approval of the new meeting schedule, a staff member stated they would send out calendar invites for the newly approved dates to avoid double-booking. The meeting was adjourned at 3:21 p.m.