Pender County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pender County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Bus Driver Shortage and Transportation
The district needs 90 drivers to run 90 buses and often falls short. Radios, cloud cameras and lockboxes improved safety, but recruiting stays tough given split-shift hours and benefit limits.
Maple Hill park and school building needs
Maple Hill was slated to see two investments: $308,713 in infrastructure improvements through Kimley-Horn and capital project funding for the Maple Hill Playground (paired with Long Creek Community Park).
Pender County Schools funding request
Several residents called for full school funding; the final budget added $6 million of the schools' capital request from the fund balance.
School Roofing Repairs (~$1.5 Million)
Roofs at the Cape Fear Community College Burgaw campus, Topsail Annandale and Pender High's Bibby Hall are failing. Topsail Annandale is the most critical. Requests will go through the county budget process.
Cape Fear Community College request
CFCC wants $782,229 from the county, with the bulk going to a $650,000 roof replacement at the Burgaw campus.
Cape Fear Elementary/Middle School Emergency Chiller
The county is sending $256,065 to the school system for an emergency chiller at Cape Fear Elementary/Middle — a quick fix to keep classrooms cool.