School Board Approved Fund Balance Projects

Building a Better Tomorrow for All Bulldogs

This page is to showcase both the ongoing and completed projects approved by the Chapel Hill School Board of Trustees.

What is a Fund Balance?

Fund balance is the total accumulation of operating surpluses and deficits since the beginning of the District’s existence. The Board of Trustees has the authority according to Board Policy CE (Local) to commit available fund balance for any legal purpose. During a board meeting, the Board of Trustees will take action to approve a Budget Amendment to allow for construction projects using fund balance.

Kissam Intermediate's Driveway Addition

Approved by the Board in 2024

Also known as the 'snake', Kissam Intermediate’s driveway blocks parked vehicles due to the traffic buildup during pickup and drop-off times. The congestion creates safety issues for staff or visitors needing to leave or enter the campus during the high traffic times. The District’s Facility Advisory Committee report included the need to address this issue. The Board of Trustees heard this report at a Board Planning Meeting on February 2, 2023. To save money on the requested bond issue, the district opted to ask the board to approve the expenditure of fund balance for this project. The administration began to work with the architects to develop a plan that would successfully address the issue, ensuring a seamless and safe traffic flow. In August, a construction manager at risk (CMAR) was hired to work on this and other projects. The CMAR is in the process of securing bids for the work and will present the Guaranteed Max Price to the Board of Trustees in February for approval. At that time, a budget amendment will also be presented for approval.

Secure Entrance at Wise Elementary

Approved by the Board in 2024

The upcoming secure entrance construction project at Wise Elementary addresses major safety and security concerns. With the new design, we're creating a secure barrier, ensuring that our students' learning environment remains undisturbed. This strategic change enhances not only safety but also peace of mind for parents, staff, and visitors. The District’s Facility Advisory Committee report included the need to address this issue. The Board of Trustees heard this report at a Board Planning Meeting on February 2, 2023. To save money on the requested bond issue, the district opted to ask the board to approve the expenditure of fund balance for this project. The administration began to work with the architects to develop a plan that would successfully address the issue, ensuring a seamless and safe traffic flow. In August, a construction manager at risk (CMAR) was hired to work on this and other projects. The CMAR is in the process of securing bids for the work and will present the Guaranteed Max Price to the Board of Trustees in February for approval. At that time, a budget amendment will also be presented for approval.

Secure Entrance at Kissam Intermediate

Approved by the Board in 2024

The upcoming secure entrance construction projects address major safety and security concerns. By relocating the front office and other administrative spaces to the forefront, and moving the library away from the entrance, we're addressing these concerns. The current layout, with the entrance next to the library and classroom hallways, poses potential risks. With the new design, we're creating a secure barrier, ensuring that our students' learning environment remains undisturbed. This strategic change enhances not only safety but also peace of mind for parents, staff, and visitors. The District’s Facility Advisory Committee report included the need to address this issue. The Board of Trustees heard this report at a Board Planning Meeting on February 2, 2023. To save money on the requested bond issue, the district opted to ask the board to approve the expenditure of fund balance for this project. The administration began to work with the architects to develop a plan that would successfully address the issue, ensuring a seamless and safe traffic flow. In August, a construction manager at risk (CMAR) was hired to work on this and other projects. The CMAR is in the process of securing bids for the work and will present the Guaranteed Max Price to the Board of Trustees in February for approval. At that time, a budget amendment will also be presented for approval.

Football Field Synthetic Turf Replacement

Date Approved by the Board: April 18, 2022
Date Completed: May 15, 2023

The football field synthetic turf was last replaced on approximately July 1, 2016, with turf from AstroTurf, which included an 8/10 year warranty. The district maintained consistent field maintenance conducted by in-house employees as well as contracted vendors approved by the manufacturer's warranty. The field had damage that was out of warranty and in disrepair.

At our request, Hellas Construction sent a technician to conduct an “unofficial” GMAX Impact Test. All numbers must be below 200 to ensure a safe playing surface. Numerous areas were documented to be near 200.

Wise Elementary's Driveway Addition

Date Approved by the Board: August 6, 2021
Date Completed: June 2022

In communicating with campus staff, administrators, and parents as well as observations made by central office administrators regarding the traffic congestion during morning drop off and after pick up it was determined that this created an unsafe traffic situation. After the completion of a traffic study performed by an engineer, it was determined that a much safer route could be constructed that would address safety concerns and alleviate traffic congestion.

Ag Barn Building

Date Approved by the Board: June 17, 2019
Date Completed: Feb.uary 15, 2021

The Ag Barn was designed to provide students with the necessary facilities for FFA and livestock-related activities. The construction of the Ag Barn was a valuable addition to our district as it encourages student participation in agriculture and related activities. It provides a safe and comfortable space for students to raise and care for livestock, which can be an essential component of FFA programs. The barn was designed to include classroom areas and allow students to gain practical, hands-on experience.