A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to assist richmond county with expediting the construction of public school facilities.
Whereas, Richmond County is faced with the critical need for school facilities created by the deteriorating condition of Rockingham Junior High School; and
Whereas, the Richmond County Board of Education has adopted a plan to use a repetitive design approach for the proposed Airport Elementary School that is educationally effective and economically efficient; and
Whereas, the Richmond County Board of Education desires to explore alternative approaches to expedite the construction of school facilities that could assist in meeting the critical need for school facilities; and
Whereas, the General Assembly reaffirms its commitment to enhance public education and to encourage innovation by public officials in meeting the critical need for school facilities; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 8 of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes, the Richmond County Board of Commissioners and the Richmond County Board of Education may select and negotiate with single‑prime or separate‑prime contractors to build school buildings using the repetitive design approach if the Board of Commissioners and the Board of Education determine that using the selection and negotiations processes instead of competitive bidding will expedite the project, create an effective construction team, and control costs, quality, and schedule.  
SECTION 2.  This act shall apply to the addition, repair, and renovation of Rockingham Junior High School and the construction of Airport Elementary School.
SECTION 3.  This act is effective when it becomes law and expires on June 30, 2006.