Moore County Schools advances new high school search and Carthage Elementary School build

Moore County Schools reviewed capital improvement projects at the June 1 work session.

Dr. Pam Patterson, Interim Assistant Superintendent for Operations, updated the board on the search for property for a new high school. The board hopes to present by Jan. 2027.

Carthage Elementary School’s new build needs a surveyor to locate all utilities and explain the topography. The new school is being constructed at the existing school site in the Town of Carthage. On June 12, Patterson will meet with faculty for feedback and updates.

The Town of Carthage agreed to a 60-foot encroachment onto its property for the new elementary school.

The new data operations center will most likely be adjacent to Union Pines High School, off Union Church Road. The proposed site will not interfere with sports. The sewer extension would be too expensive to connect, so the center will probably use private septic. There is no available timeline for the project.

Superintendent Jennifer Purvis said because the data center will not have students, the district cannot use lottery funds. She said commissioners agreed to fund the center from capital reserves. “Should be able to have it done…by Christmas.”

During a conversation about the Navy JROTC needing a new building in the same area as the data center, Member David Hensley said defining the end state of the 10-year strategic plan and completing smaller projects as funds become available prevents projects from interfering with one another.

Purvis clarified the Navy JROTC building needs would not interfere with the data center’s proposed location.

MOORE INNOVATIVE HIGH SCHOOL

Moore Innovative High School (MIHS) Principal Ashlee Ciccone presented a review of its successful first year serving students aged 13-19 at risk of dropping out. The year began with 65 students and ended with 61.

Teachers discovered missing math and English skills and trouble organizing work as students took four honors classes without physical education breaks, and students met expectations for excellence.

MIHS inspired students who had melted into the background in classrooms into active participation, giving them a voice and confidence.

Priorities included:

Read, Write, Think, Speak

Intentional Use of Digital Tools and Devices – Paper/Pencil Driven

Immediate Support and Understanding of available options at SCC – Associate’s Degree, Credentials, Certifications.

Success was evident from the data:

85.7% Math 1 Proficiency (state avg 35.7%)

>92% English 2 Proficiency (state avg 59.8%)

96.5% average daily rate of attendance

91% retention rate of current cohort

Exceptional Children Contracts

The board reviewed four contracts totaling $871,920 to provide specialized services for students with disabilities and Medicaid-eligible students.

The largest agreement, valued at $424,32, with Refine Communication Services, LLC, through State PRC 060, supports services for children with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Additional contracts funded through State PRC 032 for North Carolina children with disabilities include services from Holland Therapy Services and Dysphagia Voice and Therapeutics, PLLC, totaling $327,600.

A $120,000 contract with All American Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc., funded through State PRC 306, the Medicaid Direct Services Reimbursement Program is for one student and for any parents with hearing difficulties during school events.

Field Trips

JROTC booster clubs, local schools and the district’s local funding help fund field trips.

The Union Pines High School JROTC Leadership Team wants to visit the Leadership Academy at the State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on June 20, 2026. On the single-day trip, cadets will learn about leadership positions while also participating in hands-on training and demonstrations aligned with the mission of the Navy JROTC program.

The Union Pines High School JROTC Team wants to visit the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, South Carolina on Sep. 30 to Oct. 2, 2026. During the trip, cadets will stay in the military barracks, eat in the chow hall, tour the base, watch and participate in recruit training activities and learn about the Marine Corps and its contribution to American history. The cost for travel is $8,000, with food at $1,700, and the cost per student is $100, paid by the program.

4^th Quarter Budget Revision

Moore County Schools’ fourth-quarter budget revision resulted in a $1.66 million increase in total appropriations, with federal special education funds and Medicaid reimbursements accounting for most of the new funding, instead of local taxpayer support.

The district uses state and federal funding to address special education and operational requirements, ensuring local expenditures stay steady.

The next meeting is June 8 at 4 p.m. It is a regular meeting and will allow public comments.

June 2, 2026

Stephanie M. Sellers

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