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At Wednesday’s meeting of the Stanly County Schools facilities committee, a unanimous decision was passed on a motion to recommend moving forward to seek funding for a new eastern high school.

Board member Glenda Gibson made the motion to recommend to the full board to apply for a needs-based grant asking for a new high school, which according to a previous decision by the Stanly County Board of Education would consolidate Albemarle, North and South high schools. Dustin Lisk seconded the motion, which received yes votes from Gibson, Lisk and committee chair Robin Whitaker.

The grant would be for $62 million, of which a 5% match is required by county funds to receive the grant, or approximately $3.1 million.

The motion also mentioned the county seeking land acquisition for the proposed eastern Stanly high school, along with hiring architects and studying any geotechnical issues.

Lisk and Superintendent Dr. Jarrod Dennis both mentioned the need for approval from Stanly County commissioners because of the 5% match. Lisk said the $62 million would fund “roughly half of the high school that helps us in the eastern and other parts of the county out more.”

Dennis said if SCS would be awarded the grant, the project would have to begin within two years, noting the grant application process opens in November and would be due in January 2025.