The Moore County Board of Education is considering moving forward with plans for a new comprehensive high school, having identified a lead architectural firm for a project that hinges on a 2026 bond referendum.
During a Tuesday work session, the board reviewed a proposal to contract with SFL+A Architects for design and engineering services. The firm was the unanimous top choice of a district selection committee that included central office staff, administrators, and board members.
Under the proposed agreement, the district would pay a flat fee of $8.8 million for the firm’s services. This represents approximately 5.6% of the estimated $157.7 million project cost—notably lower than the industry standard of 7% to 8%.
The agreement carries a condition: the architectural fee is entirely contingent on the passage of a general obligation bond in November 2026. As such, SFL+A has agreed to provide all preliminary renderings, estimates, and documents for the bond campaign at no cost to the county. No payments will be due unless the bond is approved.
The firm plans to utilize a two-story “H-plan” prototype, a design it has already implemented at six other North Carolina schools. It was noted that using a proven model allows the district to avoid common maintenance and functionality issues.
“Utilization of a proven prototype ensures the bugs have been worked out of the plan and any functionality and maintenance issues have been identified and rectified,” reads the plan’s executive summary. “SFL&A understands the vision of our current Board and staff in providing a safe building meant to last 100 years, while ensuring value and cost savings are applied where possible, in an effort to get as much as possible for every tax-payer dollar.”
The proposed design can potentially accommodate between 1,200 and 1,800 students. Key features include:
• A central atrium for dining and student gatherings.
• A 600- to 700-seat auditorium and a competition-sized gymnasium.
• Security measures, including a single main entrance, layered identity checks, and clear sightlines.
• Energy-efficient materials and natural lighting.
To control costs and speed up the timeline, SFL+A recommended using precast concrete panels for the exterior. This method could reduce the construction schedule by 25%, potentially saving the district $3 million.
While a specific site has not been purchased, the board is considering the N.C. 211 corridor to address projected population growth. The project requires approximately 60 usable acres to house the school and full athletic facilities, including a stadium and tennis courts.
Assistant Superintendent for Operations Jenny Purvis said the district has begun a preliminary search for available land.
“We could preliminarily start looking at what’s available out there and just taking a look that gives us an idea of price, but it also gives us an idea of topography,” Purvis said. “We don’t necessarily want to move on something until we know we’ve got the bond, but we certainly could go ahead and start taking a look.”
During the session, board member David Hensley raised concerns regarding political influence, which he reports seeing a trend of with different firms in the past. He requested a provision ensuring the firm and its principals refrain from making donations to local or state officials who influence school decisions.
“To the greatest extent legally possible, SFL+A and its principals will not make any donations to any politicians who influence a decision on this school, to include school board members, county commissioners, and our state representatives,” Hensley proposed. “If you guys will agree to that, then I have no objections to this based upon my understanding and subject to seeing the final contract.”
If the bond passes in 2026, the district expects a year of permitting and design, with construction beginning in 2028. The school would likely open in early 2030.
The board is scheduled to vote on the formal endorsement of SFL+A during its next meeting.
To watch a replay of the live meeting, please click here.
Abegail Murphy | Assistant Editor
Article by Sandhills Sentinel Assistant Editor Abegail Murphy. Abegail has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2021.
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