Two education-related bond issues, one for elementary schools and one for Sandhills Community College, will be on Moore County’s ballot in the May 8 primary election. Proceeds from the public schools bond are earmarked to replace five aging elementary schools with three new, modern ones, while proceeds from the community college bond will be utilized to construct a new nursing education center at Sandhills Community College.
The 2018 School-College Bond Committee, which supports passage of both bonds, officially kicked off its campaign effort with a series of events today.
“Keeping our students safe is as important as ever, and passage of these bonds will enable us to provide our children with a safe, productive learning environment by consolidating five old, outdated elementary schools into three new ones built to modern safety and efficiency standards,” said Helena Wallin-Miller, Chair of the Moore County Board of Education. “Thanks to lower energy, maintenance and personnel costs, the new schools will also be more cost-effective over the long term. I hope all Moore County residents will join me in voting ‘Yes’ on both bond questions in the May 8th Primary Election.”
The campaign kickoff began with a breakfast at Pete’s Family Restaurant in Carthage. Breakfast speakers included North Moore High School Football Coach Mike Vogt, Moore County Board of Commissioners Chair Catherine Graham, Moore County Board of Education Chair Helena Wallin-Miller and Robbins Town Manager David Lambert.
The breakfast was followed by a Hard Hat Reception in the Aberdeen Town Hall Rotunda, where Moore County Schools staff and contractors were available to discuss the projects.
The campaign kickoff continued with a luncheon at Sandhills Community College. Luncheon speakers included Dr. John Dempsey, President of Sandhills Community College, and Karen Robeano, Chief Nursing Officer for First Health.
“We are fortunate that Sandhills Community College already has a reputation for having the finest community college nursing program in the state, and we must build on that strength to stay ahead of the pack,” said Dr. John Dempsey, SCC President. “As Moore County continues to grow, the demand for nurses and other healthcare professionals will do the same. The new nursing education center made possible by this bond will strengthen our ability to prepare nurses and other health care professionals to meet the personnel needs of our county’s largest industry. Additionally, this new facility will allow students to experience life-like simulations of the actual situations they would encounter when working in a hospital.”
The day wrapped up with a reception at the campaign headquarters, which is located at 159 NE Broad Street in Southern Pines. Dr. John Dempsey, President of Sandhills Community College and Dr. Bob Grimesey, Superintendent of Moore County Schools cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of the campaign headquarters.
About the Elementary School Bond
Moore County’s elementary schools are becoming outdated and are not meeting students’ needs. The four primary and elementary schools in Southern Pines and Aberdeen average 72 years old, are costly and inefficient to maintain, and do not meet modern standards for safety. Pinehurst Elementary is overcrowded, and 40% of students attend school in modular classrooms.
The $103 million school bond will consolidate four existing primary and elementary schools in Southern Pines and Aberdeen into two new combined K-5 elementary schools and replace the existing Pinehurst Elementary School.
About the Community College Bond
The community college bond issue will support construction of a new, state-of-the art nursing education center at Sandhills Community College. This will prepare students for high-paying jobs in a field where demand is increasing, which will solidify the nursing school as one of the top in North Carolina, strengthen the local economy and make for a healthier community.
For more information about the bonds, please visit http://www.YesforMooreBonds.
Contributed photo and video courtesy of Moore County Schools.
