County Approves Use of Recovery Funds for School Repair Projects

The no-interest bonds will fund projects at Allen Middle and Grimsley High

Contact: Haley Miller (336) 370-3200
Created: 8/31/2009 3:15:52 PM

The Guilford County Board of Commissioners approved Aug. 20 for Guilford County Schools (GCS) to use approximately $17 million in no-interest bonds for school repair projects. The bonds are part of the federal government’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

As one of the five largest school districts in North Carolina, the federal government granted GCS direct authority to issue Qualified School Construction Bonds (QSCBs). The direct allotment for GCS for 2009 is $17.147 million in QSCBs (with the same allotment available for 2010). The Guilford County Board of Education adopted a resolution and approved an application to state officials to secure the direct allotment.

GCS plans to use QSCB funds for two schools on the 2008 School Bond list, potentially saving about $6 million in interest. The bond money could be used to help fund qualified portions of the upgrades planned for Allen Middle and Grimsley High, totaling $20.8 million. The district plans to use 2008 School Bond funds to make up the difference.

A new $9 million classroom wing and auxiliary gym are planned for Allen Middle. The Grimsley project includes $11.7 million for a cafeteria addition, conversion of the existing cafeteria to classrooms, renovations to the main gym and improvements to Jameson Stadium. If the application is not approved, school officials could still fund the two upgrade projects from 2008 School Bond funds. The high school gym and Jameson Stadium are not eligible for the QSCB program and were not included in the application package that was sent to the state. This portion of the Grimsley project will be funded separately.

Commissioners also approved $2.1 million for heating and air conditioning upgrades at Hunter Elementary and Archer Elementary; $290,000 from 2008 School Bond proceeds for five acres for Northwest Middle and High School and $1.2 million from “red light” camera proceeds for equipment and furniture replacement.

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About Guilford County Schools

Guilford County Schools is the third largest school district in North Carolina serving more than 71,000 students at 120 schools. With approximately 10,000 employees, the district’s mission is to graduate responsible citizens prepared to succeed in higher education or the career of their choice. 

Guilford County Schools is a national leader in providing specialized schools and instructional programs designed to meet the educational needs of a culturally diverse citizenship.  For more information, visit the district’s Web site at www.gcsnc.com.