The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School Board approved a list of facilities projects to fund using roughly $38 million from the county.
The list is meant to indicate need for known projects that could be completed in the next couple of years. It includes roof replacements, elevator upgrades, HVAC renovations, and more, at around 30 schools.
During a Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, Rev. Paul Robeson Ford shared his disappointment that funds weren’t allocated to build a new Ashley Academy — something advocates have pushed for for years.
“We know that the money for a new Ashley school can be found," Ford said. "But we need your support to make that happen to urge the county commission in whose hands it falls now, to do that. The community has been waiting too long.”
The district allocated funds using a rubric that prioritized schools with high levels of poverty, and projects with high risks associated with not completing them.
Boardmember Sabrina Coone said the list represents only a fraction of the projects the district would like to complete.
“We recognize that there is an inordinate amount of need that covers probably upwards of four or $500 million," Coone said. "And so this is just a starting point. And I think it's just really important to acknowledge that for the community.”
District officials say funding allocations could change as different needs arise.
Amy Diaz covers education for WFDD in partnership with Report For America. You can follow her on Twitter at @amydiaze.