I took another look at last night’s Guilford County school board meeting and I decided maybe it wasn’t so bad. But it still wasn’t good, either.
I realize board members Anita sharpe and Darlene Garrett, who head up the architectural and construction committees, have spent many hours debating CM-at risk versus single prime contractors in an effort, bless their hearts, to save money on school bond projects. I also realize that CM at-risk is better for larger projects and single prime is better for smaller projects, and the $412 million bond has both.
But during the discussion, Sharpe brought up two minor points to illustrate how the CM-at risk on the new Jamestown Middle School “wasn’t looking out for us.” During the discussion there were a lot of awkward silences, a lot of rehasing and, of course, a history lesson from Deena Hayes. There was no one to step up and say ‘this is what we need to do,” least of all Chairman Alan Duncan, who asked Garrett if she would amend a motion but if she “didn’t want to, it was all right.” Superintendent Mo Green was looking and listening the whole time.
We just passed a $412 million bond, putting the county into debt to the extent that commissioners put a once-rejected sales tax on the ballot to pay for it. It’s not reassuring to watch the people handling it.
