Commissioners approve new plans, funding for Penderlea, Surf City elementary

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — After two years since voters passed the Pender County School Bond Referendum, the new Penderlea and Surf City Elementary schools are moving forward.

After opening the bids more than once for both schools, there was tension between the Board of Commissioners and the Board of Education.

On Monday, the Board of Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution providing additional funding from advance sales tax refunds for school bond projects and from funds available from favorable interest rates on bond sales. A schools spokeswoman said with $3,945,364, and with funds remaining from the bond total of $75 million the two new schools can move forward.

Commissioners approved the Penderlea K-8 option three as presented at the Nov. 7 meeting for a new school including new gymnasium and cafeteria.

Commissioners also approved the new Surf City K-8 project at 1,213-student capacity, pending consideration in January 2017 of increasing this project to 1,568-student capacity.

“I’d like to thank the Pender County Board of Education and the Board of County Commissioners,” Superintendent Dr. Terri Cobb said. “These projects are going to greatly benefit the students of Pender County.”

Pender County Schools will hold groundbreaking celebrations at the Penderlea and Surf City schools sites in December.