School bonds pass in New Hanover and Brunswick counties

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – School bond referendums on the ballots in New Hanover and Brunswick counties both passed.

The bond in Brunswick County is worth nearly $350 million. It will build a new high school and a new elementary school, along with improvements at existing schools.

The referendum in New Hanover County approves borrowing $320 million. It would build a new Trask Middle School and relieve overcrowding at Laney High School, among other projects.

Dr. Christopher Barnes, superintendent of New Hanover County Schools, said the district expects population growth and described the bond as the start of a longer plan.

“Over the next 10 years, we’re going to see an influx of people coming into the community,” Barnes said. “We want to make sure we’re prepared and ready for that, and this is really the first step in a 10-year sort of sustainability plan, which makes sure we’re using good, responsible decisions in the future.”