School Capital Fund Commission Meeting - September 29, 2025

School Capital Fund Commission Addresses Growing Infrastructure Needs – What You Need to Know

The School Capital Fund Commission held a significant meeting on September 29, 2025, focusing heavily on the future of funding for school infrastructure projects across the county. The meeting, attended by current commissioners including Matt Kearney (who was formally reappointed during the session), centered on a critical question: how will the county address its substantial, and growing, backlog of school capital needs?

A major portion of the meeting was dedicated to a detailed discussion about potentially pursuing a general obligation bond referendum. Dr. Jackson presented compelling data revealing that unmet capital needs currently total nearly $536 million, encompassing everything from essential roof repairs and renovations to crucial security upgrades across the school system. Commissioners acknowledged that relying solely on Article 39 funds (generated from sales tax) is becoming increasingly unsustainable, particularly given recent slowdowns in sales tax revenue growth highlighted during the financial update. The discussion explored the implications of shifting to a general obligation bond system, emphasizing the need for increased capacity within the school system and closer collaboration with county government officials. A key takeaway was that a decision on whether to pursue the bond referendum must be made by June 2026.

Beyond the potential bond referendum, commissioners received updates on ongoing projects like the completion of phase one at W.D. Williams Elementary and renovations at Lucy Herring Elementary and Asheville High Arts Building. The meeting also addressed the current communication processes for addressing school capital needs, reinforcing existing protocols and inviting superintendents to present at future commission meetings. Recognizing the need for long-term planning, the Commission discussed engaging North Carolina State University to conduct a capacity study. This study will analyze school facilities and growth projections, providing valuable data for future decision-making.

There were no public comments offered during the meeting. However, the discussions highlighted a clear need for increased transparency and community engagement as the Commission moves forward with its deliberations.

What’s Next?

Several key action items emerged from the meeting, directly impacting residents and the future of our schools:

• Capacity Study: The Board of Education will consider partnering with NC State University to conduct a comprehensive capacity study, providing data-driven insights into future school needs.
• Bond Referendum Planning: The Commission will continue its in-depth discussions regarding the potential bond referendum, working closely with county government officials to assess feasibility and impact.
• Continued Discussion: The Commission will revisit the bond referendum process and its implications at future meetings, ensuring a thorough evaluation of all options.
• Staff Coordination: Commission staff will coordinate with the county manager and other commissioners regarding bond sales team.

This meeting underscored a pivotal moment for school infrastructure funding in our county. The Commission’s exploration of the bond referendum, alongside planning for a capacity study, demonstrates a commitment to addressing critical needs and ensuring that our schools provide safe, modern learning environments for all students. Residents can expect further updates as the Commission continues its deliberations in the coming months.