NC’s CONCORD — In a press conference on Saturday morning, Barber-Scotia College administrators discussed the institution’s future.
Roberta Pinckney, the board chair, and Tracey Flemmings, the interim president, discussed recent problems at the school and charged that Cabarrus County and the City of Concord officials were exploiting them as an excuse to redevelop the site.
“We are determined to build the walls of Barber-Scotia College,” Pinckney said. “We are still willing to work with city and county officials, we are simply asking them to allow us enough time to make repairs, restore our tax exempt status, and cancel our debt as a sign of good faith,” Flemmings said.
According to President Flemmings, the board of trustees authorized a five-year strategic plan to rebuild the school’s stability and sustainability in October last year.
“We are in active discussions with potential donors and partners and are confident that over the next two years the college will orchestrate a turnaround,” Flemmings said.
According to officials, four students at the college are currently taking classes online from instructors who are teaching for free. Yet, they claim that county and city officials appear to be preparing to close the school.
The task team that had been established to reinvigorate the institution was disbanded by Concord last week.
“The college learned of the dissolution of the taskforce from the media,” Flemmings said.
The Cabarrus County tax assessor rejected tax exemption status earlier this month for a large portion of the campus, which includes deteriorated structures deemed unsafe by municipal inspectors.
“Unfortunately, we have yet to get approval on all buildings to allow students on campus, it is fair to say that some code requirements have been seen as suspect,” Flemmings said.
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The Cabarrus County tax assessor rejected tax exemption status earlier this month for a large portion of the campus, which includes deteriorated structures deemed unsafe by municipal inspectors.
“The college is respectfully asking the city to back off and allow this new administration to work its plan,” Flemmings said.
Pickney stated that the leadership would continue the school’s legacy.
“The new leadership, the board of trustees, the alumni, friends, and supporters are resolved to ensure that Scotia will continue her legacy to teach, educate, and train the next generation of students,” Pickney said.
The school has appealed the tax exemption denials. There will be a hearing on the topic.
Patricia Gault is a seasoned journalist with years of experience in the industry. She has a passion for uncovering the truth and bringing important stories to light. Patricia has a sharp eye for detail and a talent for making complex issues accessible to a broad audience. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a commitment to accuracy and impartiality, earning a reputation as a reliable and trusted source of news.