FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2025
Stanly County Schools Board of Education Votes to Pursue $52 Million Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund Grant
Albemarle, N.C. – At its work session on September 11, 2025, the Stanly County Schools Board of Education voted to pursue the North Carolina Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund Grant. If awarded, the grant would provide $52 million in funding to support two major capital projects: the construction of a new elementary school to replace Oakboro Choice STEM School and an addition to West Stanly Middle School.
The Board’s decision represents a significant step toward addressing critical facility needs in Stanly County Schools. The proposed projects would enhance learning environments, provide additional capacity for growing student populations, and support the district’s mission of ensuring high-quality education for all students.
Community support for the initiative has been strong. Resolutions endorsing the district’s grant application have been unanimously approved by the Locust City Council, the Town of Oakboro Board of Commissioners, and the Stanfield Town Council.
The next step in the application process will be a meeting with the Stanly County Board of County Commissioners. In order to submit the grant application, the commissioners must approve a 5% local funding match. This meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 22, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Gene McIntyre Room. The meeting is open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend.
Stanly County Schools will provide updates as more information becomes available regarding the Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund Grant application.