By NICOLE CARTRETTE
Staff Writer

Old and outdated school buildings, unable to accommodate a growing number of students, are a problem in Columbus County.

The county is not alone. Last week at a N.C. Association of County Commissioners legislative goals conference, school construction was voted a top priority, second only to Medicaid relief.

Members voted to seek a statewide school construction bond or alternate revenues to assist counties in meeting the need for new classrooms.

“Columbus County needs $140 million to get buildings up to state standards,” Commissioner and Maintenance Director for Columbus County Schools Ronald Gore said. He and Commissioner James Prevatte attended the legislative conference held in Pinehurst.

“In the Columbus County Schools, 72 percent of all buildings are over 50 years old,” Gore pointed out. “It’s a phenomenon, the number of old buildings.”

He said many are 75 to 80 years old and don’t meet current codes and standards. Williams Township and Cerro Gordo dining rooms had to be expanded three years ago after the fire marshal required it.

“We’ve patched and patched,” Gore said, adding that the county will never get the $140 million it needs.

“I don’t see us ever getting that kind of money to relieve the situation we’re in,” Gore said. “We’re not fortunate to be like Brunswick County with 15 to 20 year old and newer buildings,” Gore said. “We don’t have the tax base and it’s typical of rural counties.

“If we were a Dare or a Brunswick (county) it would be different,” Gore added. “We need state level bonds to help relieve the situation.”

He said Guideway and Old Dock have higher student populations and pointed out there will be an influx from Horry County with plans for large housing developments in the area.

“We will have to add classroom space,” Gore insists, among other needs. “Monies are not coming locally and local monies are not significant enough to take care of the needs.

“We don’t want to tax or overburden folks,” he said. “We need to look at that very carefully.”