Elkin leaders cite academic gains and ask county for targeted capital repairs including $168,520 roof replacement

Dr. Steve Howe, representing Elkin City Schools, told the commission the district posted strong academic results in 2024–25 and asked for additional county support for operations and capital repairs.

Howe said Elkin was the top district in the Piedmont Triad on several measures for 2024–25 and noted high AP proficiency and graduation rates. He described facility needs, including a shingle roof replacement at the high school quoted at about $168,520 and a more affordable option to replace the auditorium lighting and control system for roughly $50,000 to $60,000 to avoid losing use of Dixon Auditorium if the outdated system fails.

Howe also requested current-expense support (an example figure used in his presentation was $1,355 per student for a certified enrollment of 933 students) and described a supplemental capital ask for auditorium control and other discrete projects. He said the district had increased out-of-district tuition, which reduced enrollment by about 103 students, and described enrollment and fund-balance figures he said the board should consider.

Commissioners thanked the delegation, asked follow-up questions on the roof and auditorium estimates, and indicated the requests will be evaluated during county budget deliberations.