Moore County bonds would pay for new schools, college building

CARTHAGE, N.C. — Voters in Moore County are being asked to approve $123 million in bonds that would pay for building three elementary schools and a nursing building at Sandhills Community College.

Two of the elementary schools would let the school system close four existing schools — Aberdeen Primary School, Aberdeen Elementary School, Southern Pines Primary School and Southern Pines Elementary School. The other new school would replace the crowded Pinehurst Elementary School.

school construction
A construction project at an old brick school

The building at Sandhills will consolidate the school's nursing program and enhance simulation technology considered valuable for learning to be a nurse.

The Moore County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution April 3 supporting passage of the bond referendums. The issues will be on the ballot during the primary election that ends May 8.

Helena Wallin-Miller, chairwoman of the Moore County school board, said the new elementary schools are urgently needed. The four schools that will be combined into two schools were built in the 1930s and 1940s, she said.

The school in Pinehurst is old and crowded, with about 40 percent of students in mobile units.

"This is our way to say to the students and children that we value them," Wallin-Miller said.

The new schools will be safer and operate more efficiently while providing students will a modern learning environment, she said.

Catherine Graham, chairwoman of the commissioners, said commissioners visited the schools that will be replaced.

"There is a definite need there," she said. "The need will not go away if it does not pass."

John Dempsey, president of Sandhills Community College, said the nursing building will allow for growth. The school provides training for students who want to work in health care, which is a major industry in the county, he said.

"It's all about providing more nurses, more radiologists and more EMTs," he said.

The new building will give students an opportunity to apply what they learn through "experiential learning," according to a statement released by the school.

Graham said county officials are trying to be sure residents are educated about the bonds. She said she doesn't want anyone to say they didn't have the information they needed to decide how to vote on the issues.

County officials estimate that property taxes would be raised by 5.75 cents to 8.4 cents per $100 in property valuation to pay for the bonds. The county's website has a calculator that allows residents to see how much their property taxes might rise.

A resident with property worth $200,000 would see a potential tax increase of $115 to $168 per year, according to the website.

Wallin-Miller said the referendum gives county residents a chance to make a difference.

"In the long run, this will keep our community vibrant," she said.

Tribune Content Agency
School bonds Higher education bonds North Carolina
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