HAMLET — RCSD Superintendent Joe Ferrell outlined 29 cost-saving ideas proposed by board members and community members during this week’s Board of Directors meeting
Suggestions included reducing staff positions, consolidating middle school athletics, conducting energy audits, cutting noninstructional spending, renegotiating vendor contracts, pursuing additional grants and using remote learning days during winter weather to reduce transportation and operational costs.
Board members agreed to hold a work session in late July or early August to further discuss possible cost-saving measures and long-term planning.
“And as far as this late July, early August work session, we will, of course, publicize and advertise that so that if any members of the public are interested … they are certainly welcome to be there,” Ferrell said.
The board also approved adding four classrooms to the new L.J. Bell Elementary facility amid discussions about the possible future consolidation of West Rockingham Elementary School.
Ferrell said the additions would likely require demolition of the existing auditorium to make room for additional classroom space while keeping the project on schedule and within budget.
“If you’re going to add any classrooms at L.J. Bell, in the new building, now’s the time,” Ferrell said.
Board member Scotty Baldwin supported the change, saying the district must prioritize classroom space over preserving the aging auditorium.
“That auditorium is 60-plus years old. It’s not going to get any younger. It’s going to need continuous repair and upkeep. To me, it makes more sense to maximize square footage with classrooms than it does to. And I love the historical aspect of it—I get it. I went there. I sang on that stage myself. But I think it’s fiscally irresponsible to try to save that auditorium over building classroom space when we don’t know what’s coming,” Baldwin said.
Baldwin later made the motion authorizing the demolition of the auditorium to accommodate the additional classrooms. The motion passed unanimously.