Here’s How $61 Million School Bond Would Be Spent

Superintendent Dr. Ross Renfrow appeared before Johnston County Commissioners earlier this year requesting a school bond referendum be placed on the Nov. 6th ballot. JoCoReport.com File Photo

Johnston County voters will cast ballots on November 6th on two local bond referendums.   In April, the Johnston County School Board formally requested a $133.4 million bond referendum but in May, county commissioners cut the request to $61 million.

What would be funded with the $61 million Johnston County Schools Bond Referendum?

An organization called The Citizens’ Committee for Better Schools has released a flyer outlining what the $61 million bond would fund.

Clayton Area
Security Updates At Clayton High, Clayton Middle School, Cooper Academy, East Clayton Elementary School, Powhatan Elementary School, West Clayton Elementary School

Clayton High – replace vocational and fieldhouse with multi-purpose facility; expand and renovate auditorium; general interior renovations

West Clayton Elementary – replace HVAC chillers

Cleveland Area
Security updates at Cleveland Elementary School, Cleveland High School, Cleveland Middle School, Polenta Elementary School, West View Elementary School

Cleveland Elementary – replace boiler
West View Elementary – add bus drive

Corinth Holders Area
Security updates for Archer Lodge Middle School, Corinth Holders Elementary School, Corinth Holders High School, Riverwood Elementary School, Riverwood Middle School

Archer Lodge Middle – 12 classroom addition

New Elementary School in Archer Lodge Area

Corinth Holders High – 24 classroom addition

West Johnston Area
Security updates at Dixon Road Elementary School, McGee’s Crossroads Elementary School, McGee’s Crossroads Middle School, West Johnston High School

West Johnston High – repair and resurface track

North Johnston Area
Security updates at Glendale-Kenly Elementary School, Micro Elementary School, North Johnston High School, Pine Level Elementary School

Glendale-Kenly Elementary – repave bus drive

North Johnston High – front canopy entrance with additional parking; cafeteria expansion; replace HVAC chillers; enclose breezeways for added security

Princeton Area
Security updates at Princeton Elementary School, Princeton Middle-High

Princeton Middle-High – tennis courts, replace bleachers on football field

Smithfield-Selma Area
Security updates at Smithfield-Selma High, Smithfield Middle School, South Smithfield Elementary School, Selma Elementary School, Selma Middle School, West Smithfield Elementary School, Wilson’s Mills Elementary School

Innovation Academy – Central HVAC System, full-service cafeteria, general interior renovations

Smithfield Middle – front entrance canopy

Smithfield-Selma High – multi-purpose gymnasium; resurface student drive; repair and resurface track

South Smithfield Elementary – partial roof replacement and front entrance

West Campus – roof replacement

Wilson’s Mills Elementary – partial roof replacement to primary building

South Johnston Area
Security updates at Benson Elementary, Benson Middle, Four Oaks Elementary, Four Oaks Middle; Meadow School; South Johnston High

Benson Elementary – replace HVAC chillers

Four Oaks Elementary – partial roof replacement

South Johnston High – general interior renovations; upgrade HVAC system; replace bleachers on football field; repair and resurface track and tennis courts

JCC $15 Million Bond Referendum
In addition to the $61 million school bond referendum, Johnston Community College is asking voters on Nov. 6th to approve a separate $15 million bond issue.

The funds would be used to design and construct a new 35,000 square foot building on the JCC Smithfield campus for Early College and JCC engineering students.

JCC launched an Associate in Engineering program in the Fall of 2015. In three years, enrollment has increased 163%, according to The Citizens’ Committee for Better Schools.  Residual bond funds will be used for college renovation and expansion needs.