Successes

Successes
For the third year, NHCS has increased the
graduation rate and is currently at 82%.
Special Education students increased their
graduation rate by over 10%.
NHCS percentage of students scoring at or
above grade level on the North Carolina Endof Grade Tests were higher than the state
average for both reading and math for each
tested grade level.
NHCS percentage of students scoring at or
above grade level on the North Carolina Endof-Course Tests were higher than the state
average in all three subjects, English II,
Math I (previously called Algebra I), and
Biology.
14 PROJECTS
$160 MILLION
SERVING ALL SCHOOLS
Using North Carolina Virtual Public Schools
(NCVPS), NHCS has expanded acceleration
opportunities for middle school students.
Board of Education
Donald S. Hayes
Jeannette S. Nichols
Janice A. Cavenaugh
Tammy Covil
Lisa Estep
Derrick G. Hickey, M.D.
Edward B. Higgins, Jr., Esq.
Chairman
Vice Chair
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
November 4, 2014
New Hanover County Schools
6410 Carolina Beach Road
Wilmington, NC 28412
NHCS Energy Conservation Program saved
the district nearly $2 million in its first two
years with an expected $5 million savings
over the next five years through energy
reduction programs. The money saved has
been used to balance the budget, maintain
teaching positions, and to keep programs in
schools.
Dr. Tim Markley, Superintendent
www.nhcs.net  910.254.4200
The Focus
In August 2013, more than 26,000 students
attended New Hanover County Schools.
The N.C. Department of Public Instruction
(NCDPI) expects enrollment to increase an
additional 3,000 students by 2020.
The question is, “What kind of facilities do
we want for our children?”
The Need
Quality schools are essential in a community
that recognizes that its most precious
resource is its children. The mission of New
Hanover County Schools, in collaboration with
our parents and the community, is to strive to
provide an excellent education in a safe and
positive learning environment where they are
prepared with critical skills to reach their full
potential for a world yet to be imagined.
Appropriate, modern facilities supportive of
today’s technology are an essential
component of fulfilling this mission and
meeting community expectations for
students.
The need to renovate or replace obsolete
facilities is ongoing. Presently, students are
meeting in crowded and inappropriate spaces
such as cafeterias, hallways, stages, storage
rooms, workrooms, and trailers. There are
currently 84 trailers, some that date back to
the 1960s, in use throughout our school
district. Four more trailers are being
purchased for the upcoming school year. The
total capacity of trailers is equal to three
elementary schools.
The Plan
New Hanover County Schools, as required by
the NCDPI, conducts a facility needs survey
every five years in order to maintain a Long
Range Building Plan. In 2010, the survey identified $390 million in facility needs. Today,
with inflation and escalating construction
costs, those same needs are estimated to exceed $400 million.
The 2014 Local Bond Referendum for Education
will improve safety & security at all schools;
modernize existing facilities; and build new
facilities to accommodate a growing population.
All schools will benefit directly and indirectly.
The new school and replacement schools will
provide needed space at the most overcrowded
elementary schools. Renovations at the middle
school level will modernize obsolete facilities
and replace outdated building systems.
The specific projects include:
Safety & Security Improvements at All Schools
Additions at the high school level will provide
needed athletic and instructional space; and
renovations will modernize obsolete facilities,
and replace outdated building systems. Districtwide improvements will increase safety and
security at all schools, improve technology at all
schools, and make needed building repairs and
replacement at schools throughout the district.
Installation of Security Cameras at All Schools
Modernization of Existing Facilities
Faster Wireless & Internet Access
New Northeastern Elementary School
College Park Elementary School Replacement
Blair Elementary School Replacement
Laney High School Additions and Renovations
Hoggard High School Additions and Renovations
New Hanover High School Geo. West Building
Renovations
Past School Bond
The last bond referendum was approved in
2005. The $123 million bond program provided:
Castle Hayne Elementary School construction
Holly Shelter Middle School construction
Roland-Grise Middle School Renovations
Ogden Elementary School replacement
Noble Middle School Renovations
Snipes Academy of Arts and Design
replacement
Trask Middle School Renovations
Myrtle Grove Middle School Renovations
Wrightsville Beach Elementary additions
and renovations
To finance these projects, the New Hanover
County Board of Commissioners will hold a
referendum on November 4th to get permission
from the voters to sell $160 million in bonds. The
bonds would be repaid over a 20-year period with
an average increase of three cents on the property
tax rate. To put this into perspective, the tax bill
on a $200,000 home would increase approximately
$60 per year, or $5 per month, less than the
amount many spend each week for coffee.
Carolina Beach Elementary School additions
and renovations
Forest Hills Elementary School additions
and renovations
Sunset Park Elementary School additions
and renovations
Winter Park Elementary School additions
and renovations
Gregory Elementary School renovations
Wrightsboro Elementary School renovations
District-wide technology improvements
$60 PER YEAR OR $5 PER MONTH
the average cost of the bond for
many property owners.
Roof replacements at existing schools
throughout the district