# Board of Education Meeting - July 13th 2026

The McDowell County Schools Board of Education held a meeting on July 13, 2026, where key procurement and budget matters were discussed. The board received updates on several capital improvement projects, including ongoing HVAC system upgrades at multiple schools with a recent approval of a $250,000 capital project for HVAC systems and valves. The board was also presented with progress and schematic designs for a new elementary school funded by a $42 million needs-based capital fund grant, with the project currently on budget despite some delays due to weather and site conditions. Additionally, the board discussed the recent state budget approval, which includes an average 8% pay increase for certified staff and a 3% increase for non-certified staff, along with one-time bonuses. The finance team is working on budget balancing and planning for future raises amid staffing challenges. No new contracts or vendor selections were explicitly mentioned, but the meeting highlighted ongoing facility upgrades and capital funding allocations.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Education, Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure, Grants & Funding
**Published:** July 14, 2026

### Sources
- [Board of Education Meeting - July 13th 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yxu-_ayXqU) - McDowell County Schools