Wilson County Schools Recognizes Partnerships in Securing $42 Million Grant

Wilson County Schools (WCS) would like to thank everyone who played a role in helping the district secure $42 million in grant funds to construct a new elementary school for students at Wells Elementary and Hearne Elementary. 

This grant is highly competitive. Out of the 115 school districts in the state, 92 applied. Only 10 were awarded funding, making this a significant achievement for the district. It is one of the largest grants WCS has ever received. 

The grant funds, generated by state lottery revenues, are distributed through the Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund and awarded through a rigorous application process. The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction evaluates applications based on critical needs, budget details and the following criteria: prioritizing Tier-1 counties (the most economically distressed); counties with greater need and less ability to generate local tax revenue; counties with a high debt-to-tax revenue ratio; projects that address critical deficiencies in serving current and future students; and projects involving new construction or complete renovation of school facilities.

The district applied for $42 million, the maximum award available for an elementary school project. Counties receiving a grant must provide local matching funds from county resources, other non-state funds or a combination of these sources. The Wilson County Board of Commissioners is supportive in providing the required 5 percent match. Receiving the grant will deliver major cost savings to county taxpayers while supporting critical school construction.

Special thanks to the Wilson County Board of Education and the Wilson County Board of Commissioners for their foresight and willingness to collaborate on this important community investment. Each grant application must be signed by the chairman of both Boards, and WCS appreciates the strong relationship between both Boards. We also recognize their leadership in identifying the need to merge the schools and champion efforts to provide facilities that better serve our students.

We extend our gratitude to WCS Director of Grants and Special Programs Dr. Kelly Anne Mudd, whose expertise and coordination were instrumental in preparing the successful grant application.

We are additionally grateful to the individuals who provided letters of support, including Board of Education Chair Blake Boykin, Board Members Dr. Christine Fitch and Debora Powell, Chair of the County Commissioners Rob Boyette, U.S. Congressman Don Davis, NC Senator Buck Newton, NC House Representative Dante Pittman, Wilson Chamber of Commerce President Ryan Simons, and Johnson & Johnson General Manager and WCS parent Peter Goodridge.

This achievement demonstrates what can be accomplished when a community comes together with a shared vision and strong partnerships. It takes the dedication of many people to bring a project of this magnitude to life, and together, we are creating opportunities that will positively impact the future of our students.