School bond investments could bring changes beyond the classroom

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — Voters in New Hanover and Brunswick counties approved nearly $670 million in school bonds, setting the stage for major investments in local schools and facilities.

Now, both districts are moving into the planning stages, with projects aimed at addressing overcrowding, modernizing aging facilities and preparing for future growth. The investments could also have an impact beyond the classroom, potentially influencing surrounding communities and the local housing market.

In New Hanover County, voters approved a $320.5 million bond. Superintendent Christopher Barnes says the funding will be divided among five major projects.

“A new Trask Middle School, replacing Williams with River Lights, replacing Pine Valley, doing some historic changes over at New Hanover High School, and then a good amount of money for our infrastructure, technology, security, safety, and HVAC work,” said Barnes.

In neighboring Brunswick County, Superintendent Dale Cole says the bond funding will focus heavily on adding capacity to keep up with the county’s growth.

More than $80 million is earmarked for a new elementary school in the northern part of the county.

“Over 90% of it is for two schools: an elementary school in the north region of the county that will pull from three schools that are currently over capacity already. Lincoln Elementary, Belville Elementary, and Town Creek Elementary. So that’s $83 million of it,” said Cole.

The remaining $230 million will fund a new high school, though the district has not yet selected a location.

“The first or the next step will be for the board to pick a site for the high school. And then we will move forward on getting that property ready for construction and hiring an architect and a general contractor to work towards having that school open in 2032,” said Cole.

For Brunswick County homeowners, the bond projects will also come with a property tax increase.

“On a $400,000 home, it’s $219 a year increase. On your property taxes. It’s not that much,” said Berkshire Hathaway real estate agent Zach Bryant.

But the cost could come with benefits that extend beyond the school system. Bryant says investments in new and desirable schools can make surrounding communities more appealing to potential homebuyers.

In neighborhoods like Magnolia Greens, access to sought-after schools could play a role in attracting buyers, potentially increasing demand for homes in the area.

Bryant says newer homes can also have an advantage when buyers are comparing properties with similar price tags.

“If I brought you to a house that was 2500 square feet, brand new, and then I brought you down the street to one that was five years old or 10 years old, and they were the exact same price. Which one are you picking?”