Wake leaders: $40M more needed for school updates, construction

School construction will be the focus of a conversation on Wednesday among Wake school leaders as a committee meets to discuss a funding shortfall.

The difference between what the school board is requesting and how much the county is offering totals more than $40 million for the 2020 and 2021 fiscal years.

The funds are part of a seven-year Capital Improvement Plan with a goal to fund 15 new schools, make 10 renovations and partially pay for two new schools and four renovations. District leaders say the changes are necessary to keep up with growing enrollment and replace old technology, furniture and equipment.

School and county leaders have been working on ways to fund the plan, which could include a construction bond referendum on this November's ballot. Members of the school facilities committee will meet at school board headquarters at 3 p.m.