Central Office enters ‘examination’ phase of new location

Morganton, NC – Monday, June 17, 2024

Burke County Public Schools is in the “Examination Period” phase for purchasing a new property at 305 W. Union St., Morganton, to relocate Central Office. The Board of Education has shown its commitment by voting to make an offer on this location at its May meeting. Burke County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mike Swan said, “This pivotal move has been several years in the making, and we are excited about the prospect of establishing a more efficient and centralized hub for our district’s operations.” 

The necessity for relocating Central Office stems from the County of Burke's plans to expand the office space for The Burke County Human Resource Center on East Parker Road. This facility currently accommodates not only Central Office but also the Burke County Health Department and the Burke County Department of Social Services. As these services grow, it is important that each department has the space and resources needed to serve our community effectively.

In October 2018, the Burke County Board of Education passed a resolution to search for a new property for Central Office. Swan said,  “Currently, the school system leases office space at the County’s Parker Road facility for $188,400 a year. Investing in our own space is a financially prudent move that will yield long-term savings and benefits.”

 
According to a report from Construct Connect, the existing Human Resource Center, built in 1973, has reached the end of its functional life, despite numerous renovations and investments in mechanical systems and roofing. The 75,000 square foot building, 15,000 of which is dedicated to Central Office, houses approximately 320 full-time school, health department and social work employees. It is critical for service delivery but requires a comprehensive space planning needs assessment and site location analysis to continue meeting future demands.

Central Office currently supports around 35 employees across various departments, including Human Resources, Finance, Child Nutrition, Communications, Exceptional Children, Secondary Education, Elementary Education, Student Services, Career and Technical Education, and the Superintendent’s and Deputy Superintendent’s offices. Key functions such as hiring, payroll, budgeting, accounts management, student services, and professional development are executed here, underscoring the need for an efficient and well-equipped central hub.