Regular Board Meeting October 12, 2026

The October 12, 2026, regular meeting of the Bladen County Schools Board focused on the district’s annual audit, financial pressures, and community concerns about the closure of East Arcadia Elementary. The auditor presented draft FY2026 statements with a clean, unmodified opinion and no reported compliance findings. He reported that the district’s two local funds had about $976,000 in combined fund balance after a $2.1 million decline, and warned that continued use at the current rate could create liquidity problems. SRO spending was discussed as a significant expense: costs were nearly $1 million compared with a $264,000 state grant. The board discussed possible cost controls, including SRO arrangements and school consolidation, but made no related spending decision. Federal program allotments had not yet arrived, delaying a planned budget amendment.

Members and a community speaker also discussed East Arcadia Elementary’s closure, building condition, and potential property disposition. The approximately $1.975 million repair figure was described as based on historical information rather than contractor bids or firm estimates. Possible appraisal costs of roughly $15,000–$25,000 and other valuation approaches were discussed, but no appraisal decision or contract award was made. The board voted to defer three action items to its November meeting; the items were not identified in the transcript. It approved the consent agenda and personnel action items. No RFP, vendor selection, or new procurement award was identified.