Lenoir County Public Schools (LCPS) has secured a significant financial boost with a $52 million grant aimed at constructing a new school to replace E.B. Frink Middle School. The grant is sourced from the state's Needs Based Capital Funds allocated from lottery proceeds.

NC Senator Jim Perry highlighted the critical nature of this funding on Monday morning, emphasizing the community's pressing need for modern educational infrastructure. "We've made application for a needs-based capital grant from the state to replace a school in our community, the oldest school in our community that is over 100 years old," Perry stated.

The grant process was competitive, with LCPS reaching the finalist stage, signaling the state's recognition of the community's unique needs. E.B. Frink Middle School opened at its current location in 1921.

State Superintendent Catherine Truitt addressed the gathering, affirming the district's finalist status and the critical role of the grant in meeting the district's infrastructure needs. "You are a finalist, and that in and of itself is significant," Truitt remarked, acknowledging the competitive nature of the grant process and the state's commitment to supporting essential educational projects.

In order to apply for the grant, the county had to have a match of $5 million which was approved as part of the county’s annual budget. After explaining the process, and asking a few questions to ensure continued edibility, Truitt made a surprise announcement.

“You all have a $57 million budget, you've gotten $5 million from your county commissioners, so you need a check for $52,000,000,” said Truitt. “And I'm so happy to tell you that I have that check here.”

LCPS Superintendent Brent Williams thanked Truitt for her hard work. “I want to begin by thanking Superintendent Catherine Truitt for doing a great job in Raleigh and a great job leading the public schools in North Carolina. It’s a thankless job.”

LCPS Assistant Superintendent Nicholas Harvey, who along with Associate Superintendent Frances Herring, wrote the request for the grant.

“We appreciate the general assembly,” said Harvey. “Thank you to our county commissioners. We can’t do this without you.”

The anticipated build time for the project is two years, depending on the grant, board approval, and the availability of supplies and materials.

“I am thrilled to join our community in celebrating the incredible news of a $52 million grant awarded to Lenoir County Public Schools by State Superintendent Catherine Truitt,” said Rep. Chris Humphrey. “This significant investment, coupled with the $5 million match from the Lenoir County Board of Commissioners, will pave the way for a brand new E.B. Frink Middle School, providing our students with a modern, state-of-the-art learning environment they deserve.”

Frink Middle School was founded in 1920 and was known then as La Grange Colored High School. La Grange Colored High School was changed in 1952 to E.B. Frink School to honor Emmet Frink who was the principal of La Grange Colored High School.

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Lenoir County Public Schools has been awarded a $52 million grant for school construction. State Superintendent Catherine Truitt announced LCPS received the grant which will allow the school system to replace E.B. Frink Middle School. Previously, the Lenoir County Commissioners approved a $5 million match necessary to receive the grant.