ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A new state report lists Buncombe County Schools as having no facility needs over the next five years, a sharp contrast to the nearly $230 million identified in the previous assessment. Adding to the confusion, the district says its latest facilities survey is still being prepared.
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s 2025-26 School Facility Needs Survey, presented to the State Board of Education on Nov. 4, identifies nearly $18 billion in school construction and renovation needs statewide.
The report says all 115 school districts submitted their assessments. But when 828newsNOW asked Buncombe County Schools about its figures, the district said its survey was still being prepared.
“The Buncombe County Schools Facilities Needs Survey has not yet been submitted,” Christina Hallingse, a district spokesperson, said in an email. “Staff members are currently compiling data and identifying needs, with final submission scheduled for the end of the year.”
It is unclear whether the district is referring to the same assessment included in the state’s report or a separate facilities review.
The difference is significant. In the previous statewide survey, conducted in 2020-21, Buncombe County Schools identified $229,994,221 in facility needs, according to historical data published by Public Schools First NC.
The latest report lists the district’s projected needs at $0 for 2027 through 2031.
That doesn’t necessarily mean nearly $230 million in needed improvements has gone unaddressed. Some projects identified five years ago may have been completed, funded or otherwise resolved. The state also excludes projects already funded and under design or construction from the latest assessment.
Still, the figures raise questions about how the district’s needs were reported and whether the statewide totals reflect its current plans.
828newsNOW contacted the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction seeking clarification about the district’s reported figures and whether the statewide report could be revised. The department had not responded as of Saturday morning.
Nearly $18 billion in needs statewide
The statewide survey identified $17.96 billion in projected school facility needs for 2027 through 2031, an increase of about 37.5% from the $13.07 billion identified in the previous five-year assessment.
Renovations account for the largest share, at approximately $9.77 billion. Another $6.16 billion is projected for new schools, with the remainder covering additions, equipment and land.
Nearly half of the projects identified statewide involve repairs and deferred maintenance. Other major needs include building code and safety improvements, heating and cooling systems, and replacing outdated facilities.
The state also found that 40% of North Carolina’s 6,252 public school buildings are more than 50 years old.
Asheville City Schools, meanwhile, reported approximately $9.1 million in renovation needs over the next five years, with no additional needs listed for new schools, additions, equipment or land.
How the survey works
North Carolina law requires local school boards to submit long-range facility plans to the State Board of Education every five years.
Districts enter their own information into a statewide database, identifying projects such as renovations, additions and new schools. DPI compiles those submissions into a report intended to help state leaders understand school construction and renovation needs.
The figures are estimates, not funding commitments, and do not necessarily account for every maintenance issue facing a district.
The Nov. 4 report states that all 115 school systems completed their assessments. It does not explain why Buncombe County Schools is listed with no projected needs despite the district’s statement that its survey is unfinished.
The State Board of Education is expected to consider the report in December before it goes to the General Assembly. Whether Buncombe County Schools’ figures will change before then remains unclear.