# School Capital Fund Commission Meeting | July 30, 2026

**Body:** Buncombe County Government — School Capital Fund Commission
**Date:** July 30, 2026 3:00 PM EDT (2026-07-30T15:00:38-04:00)

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3010

## Summary

**Meeting Overview**
The Buncombe County School Capital Fund Commission convened on July 30, 2026, at 3:09 PM to address administrative renewals, schedule planning, and project status updates. The meeting opened with the Chair expressing gratitude for the members' flexibility regarding a recent rescheduling and highlighting positive economic development news from the U.S. Commerce Department as a beneficial context for the community. The primary focus of the session was on maintaining operational continuity through officer reappointments and ensuring the commission’s calendar aligns with school district needs.

**Key Decisions and Votes**
The Commission took several unanimous actions to formalize its leadership and administrative records. Members voted to approve the amendments and the minutes from the April 27 and May 28 meetings. Leadership roles were reaffirmed with Terry continuing as Commission Chair, George Simon appointed as Vice Chair, and Kerry Clark continuing as Secretary. Additionally, the commission approved a future meeting schedule designed to avoid conflicts with school spring breaks and Board of Education meetings. The Chair explained that the April 8 meeting was moved to a Thursday to create a buffer between capital planning and project requests, incorporating feedback to allow more time between these phases.

**Discussion Highlights and Project Updates**
A significant portion of the discussion centered on personnel changes and ongoing capital projects. The commission recognized Matt, an outgoing staff member who has served since 2018/2019, for his contributions to the commission’s financial health and structure. He is departing for a finance officer position in Connecticut. Jennifer Reed was recognized as the sitting Interim Superintendent. Staff provided detailed updates on various initiatives, noting that demo work at Valley Springs Middle will begin upon permit release, while contracts for phased roof replacements at Irwin Middle are currently being signed. Other projects, including roof replacements at Oak Buncombe Middle and Lester, fire alarm and playground updates, and a car rider line project expected to be completed by winter 2027, were also discussed. Regarding security designs for Asheville City Schools, staff reported being 90% through writing the Request for Qualifications, with an expected release next week.

**Community Input and Notable Exchanges**
Public comments included heartfelt tributes to Matt from multiple speakers, who noted that the commission’s operations had drastically improved under his tenure. One speaker expressed surprise at a notification that Jackson County is considering a $105 million bond proposal, noting it is a large figure for that system. Another member clarified that the next consideration for bond proposals would be two years from now, as they must go on the ballot. The Chair and other members responded to the departing staff member’s remarks by expressing sadness at his loss but gratitude for his work, wishing him well in his new role.

**Follow-ups and Impact**
Staff members outlined specific next steps for project execution, including issuing purchase orders for North Buncombe High, meeting with principals regarding playground scheduling (potentially during Christmas or next summer), and requesting a proposal for the Aquatic Center’s mechanical outfit design. The Chair’s office agreed to send out calendar invites for the newly approved meeting dates to prevent double-booking. These actions ensure that critical infrastructure improvements, such as roofing, network upgrades, and security designs, proceed according to the approved timeline, maintaining the commission’s focus on enhancing school facilities across Buncombe County.

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OpIOLrDYmA
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/2049/segments

## Sources

- [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OpIOLrDYmA)