UPDATED: Moore Schools writes “no political contributions” into architectural contract

This Jan. 6 work session article shows interventions and directives from school board member David Hensley, work typically conducted by the superintendent, and it shows him guiding the Interim Superintendent Jennifer Purvis. His diligence reflects his commitment to the citizens of Moore County.

The Moore County School board heard SFL&A architecture’s presentation of their qualifications for designing a new comprehensive high school at $8.8 million.

SFL&A built 22 high schools in North Carolina, and its prototype for a single entry building has been used in six schools and is adaptable for up to 1,800 students.

The civil engineering group that will be working with the architectural firm is WithersRavenel. One of the firm’s engineers, Tucker McKenzie, is running for the school board, so he will not be working on the project because it is seen as a conflict of interest.

“You know what reservations I have about SFL&A, but here we are,” Hensley said.

Hensley reminded Purvis of the importance of viewing the six prototype schools before next week, when they officially endorse SFL&A.

Hensley asked if SFL&A held a marketing campaign for the May 2018 bond referendum for schools in Aberdeen, Southern Pines and Pinehurst.

“I don’t know whether we’ve contributed to any state candidates. I kind of think we have in the past,” SFL&A owner Robbie Ferris said.

Hensley said he had copies of political contributions from architectural firms but could not share them on the screen because of policies but could bring them Monday.

“I do not think it’s right,” Hensley said about companies benefiting from bond voting. “It’s disgusting.”

Attorney Richard Schwartz read Hensley’s proposed amendment to the architectural firm’s contract restricting contributions from SFL&A and its principals and its stated partner to active members of the Moore County School Board or Moore County Commissioners or candidates for either board in a marketing campaign for the approval of the bond for SFL&A as the chosen design team.

SFL&A receives no payment unless the school bond passes.

The architectural team that would be earning $8.8 million said they were comfortable with “giving that right away,” and it could easily be written into the contract.

While political speech, including donations, is protected by the Constitution, there are legal questions that would likely drive legal expenses.

During the discussion on possible attorney fees, Hensley asked Member Steve Johnson, who serves as chair of the finance committee, if he knew how much they spent on legal fees, and Johnson did not.

Hensley knows how much is spent on attorney fees, and that is something a superintendent would likely know.

Purvis said the high school’s compact prototype can be built on 60 acres instead of 100.

Hensley said he hoped the board would have plaques praising the taxpayers for building schools, not state representatives or other individual elected officials, and the board agreed.

UPDATE: “Not only did I discuss the appearance of Quid Pro Quo contributions, I also discussed how by advocating for keeping them, it sent a signal that perhaps they are expected. THAT puts potential suppliers in an ethical dilemma of “Do I have to Pay to Play”? No supplier should be put in that position,” Hensley wrote to Sandhills News.

Concerning the superintendent search, the board signed the agreement with BWP & Associates as the firm to represent them for $22,000.

Hensley said the Christmas break helped clear his thoughts, and said they made a mistake in rushing to find a firm, and he wanted to give Interim Purvis a chance to perform.

“We are limiting ourselves to superintendents who would apply,” Hensley said, and acknowledged the firm representatives had driven a long way.

BWP & Associates said they would pre-screen applicants using a rubric.

Member Pauline Bruno said they do not have the right to narrow down applicants, and when she asked to see the rubric, she was told they did not have it with them.

Hensley reiterated his point that he thought Purvis should do her job and the board may save money by keeping her instead of hiring a firm.

Bruno said she did not like rushing like they did with choosing a site for Carthage Elementary School because it did not result in the best outcome.

Madame Chairperson Robin Calcutt said the firm’s process works and waiting meant ending up with “the bottom of the barrel.”

Member Kenneth Benway, Bruno and Hensley balked at signing the confidentiality agreement with the firm because they had signed confidentiality agreements when sworn in as board members.

The board agreed to remove individual board member names and keep only the chairperson’s name on the confidentiality agreement with the firm.

The board will meet Jan. 12 at 5:30 p.m. for a regular business meeting when it will vote on the endorsing SFL&A, purchasing additional playground equipment for McDeeds Creek Elementary at $126,473.42 in capital funds, amending the budget, a survey on school calendar options, requesting approval for Restart reform as explained here and on several field trips as seen here.

 Jan. 7, 2026

Stephanie M. Sellers

Submit news tips, events and interview requests to editor@sandhills.news.

Sandhills News is plain-English local government reporting that explains how decisions affect your land, taxes, schools and rights.

Jan. 7, 2026

Stephanie M. Sellers

Submit news tips, events and interview requests to editor@sandhills.news.

Sandhills News is plain-English local government reporting that explains how decisions affect your land, taxes, schools and rights.