Washington County and schools outline $12 million plan, timeline and logistics for Early College project
March 01, 2026 | Washington County, North Carolina
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Washington County and Washington County Schools officials discussed the funding structure, timeline and logistical impacts of relocating the Washington County Early College during a joint meeting on Aug. 15, 2022 in Creswell.
County Manager/County Attorney Curtis Potter described a draft funding agreement and said the County would own the property and building during construction. Potter said the County would borrow $12 million for the project and that Washington County Schools is expected to repay that borrowing. He told both boards the County’s financial attorney, Bob Jessup, had completed exhibits on the funding and project agreements and a proposed form lease.
Dr. L. Carr, the school superintendent, said WCS had received an updated timeline and that the district still lists a July 2024 completion date for the new building. Potter said some bids must be in hand before going to the Local Government Commission (LGC) meeting on Dec. 7 and described the plan as having "lots of moving parts stacked on top of each other." He also noted the Roper building would likely not be available until the fall of 2024 because students remain there, which would require bussing students to Washington County High School for outdoor athletic activities and add kitchen-size requirements.
Potter reiterated the project is being advanced without raising taxes or using either board's general fund. Dr. Carr said the district plans to apply for Phase II funding, urged residents and officials to contact legislators for technology, furniture and athletic-facility funding, and thanked those purchasing lottery tickets that support schools.
Members of the public at the meeting expressed skepticism about whether a new building would improve educational outcomes and raised concerns about costs. Resident Doug Maxwell asked, "How is a new school going to improve the education of the County’s students?" and questioned insurance and basic skills among some students. Resident and former teacher Charlotte Maxwell said, "Kids need to be built up," and said basic math, science and English instruction is needed.
Board leaders thanked staff and school officials for progress and restated that the boards are attempting to proceed without a tax increase. No formal funding motion or final agreement was adopted at the meeting; staff and legal counsel will continue work on documents and required approvals.
County Manager/County Attorney Curtis Potter described a draft funding agreement and said the County would own the property and building during construction. Potter said the County would borrow $12 million for the project and that Washington County Schools is expected to repay that borrowing. He told both boards the County’s financial attorney, Bob Jessup, had completed exhibits on the funding and project agreements and a proposed form lease.
Dr. L. Carr, the school superintendent, said WCS had received an updated timeline and that the district still lists a July 2024 completion date for the new building. Potter said some bids must be in hand before going to the Local Government Commission (LGC) meeting on Dec. 7 and described the plan as having "lots of moving parts stacked on top of each other." He also noted the Roper building would likely not be available until the fall of 2024 because students remain there, which would require bussing students to Washington County High School for outdoor athletic activities and add kitchen-size requirements.
Potter reiterated the project is being advanced without raising taxes or using either board's general fund. Dr. Carr said the district plans to apply for Phase II funding, urged residents and officials to contact legislators for technology, furniture and athletic-facility funding, and thanked those purchasing lottery tickets that support schools.
Members of the public at the meeting expressed skepticism about whether a new building would improve educational outcomes and raised concerns about costs. Resident Doug Maxwell asked, "How is a new school going to improve the education of the County’s students?" and questioned insurance and basic skills among some students. Resident and former teacher Charlotte Maxwell said, "Kids need to be built up," and said basic math, science and English instruction is needed.
Board leaders thanked staff and school officials for progress and restated that the boards are attempting to proceed without a tax increase. No formal funding motion or final agreement was adopted at the meeting; staff and legal counsel will continue work on documents and required approvals.
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