Cleveland High Schools Receive $15 Million For New Auditoriums Print
Education
By Administrator   
Wednesday, 03 February 2021 11:35
The Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund will provide a combined $15 million for new auditoriums at Crest and Burns High Schools in Cleveland County. 
 
The capital grant program was created within the Education Lottery Fund to prioritize counties that have a limited ability to generate tax revenue, carry high debt-to-tax ratios, or have critical school construction needs. 
 
A local match of $5 million will support the projects for a total investment of $20 million. 
 
"I am excited for the students and faculty at Crest and Burns High Schools, who can look forward to unique learning and performance opportunities in new auditoriums that will serve as a gathering place for their education communities," Speaker Tim Moore said. 
 
"The state House has prioritized school construction funding for the critical education projects in North Carolina like these, and I am proud that the Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund is delivering on that agenda in Cleveland County."
 
Cleveland County Schools Superintendent Dr. Stephen Fisher also released a statement: 
 
"Cleveland County Schools is extremely excited to learn we have been awarded the Needs-Based School Capital funds for the Auditorium projects at Burns High School and Crest High School," Dr. Fisher said. 
 
"We are appreciative for the opportunity provided by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, as well as the continued support of the State Board of Education and the North Carolina General Assembly. We look forward to the opportunities to enhance our school campuses and educational opportunities for our students. As we continue to partner with local leaders and the Cleveland County Board of Commissioners, these projects will continue to make Cleveland County a great place to live, work, learn and play." 
 
Cleveland County Board of Education Chairman Robert Queen released a statement: 
 
"Auditoriums at Burns and Crest High Schools have been in discussion and planning for many years," Chairman Queen said. 
 
"This award from the Needs Based Public School Capital Fund will bring these projects to fruition. We look forward to what these venues will add to the arts education at both schools and how they can benefit our rural communities as a whole. Many thanks to our state legislators who recognized the need for more capital funds for our public schools and to our local commissioners for assisting us in the process." 
 
The Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund grants are in addition to the annual $100 million in capital lottery appropriations provided to North Carolina schools through the Public School Building Capital Fund, doubling the state's total commitment to school capital to more than $3 billion by 2028. 
Last Updated on Wednesday, 03 February 2021 11:51