JACKSON – The new Northampton County Schools Administrative Building is still awaiting occupants.

On August 6, Assistant Superintendent of Auxiliary Services Phil Matthews informed the Northampton County Board of Education of what the hold ups were.

“There are some quality issues that are being addressed and it is because of the quality issues that the decision was made to wait until September to have the first board meeting in the new building,” he said.

Matthews said the handrails for the outside steps and ramp had been delivered, but were “not acceptable” and therefore being remade.

Also, the light fixtures for the air lock foyer were delayed.

Despite the hold ups, Matthews said the next board meeting should be held in the new building.

The 10,000 square foot, red brick building will hold six departments, including the entire curriculum and instructional services department, financial, personnel, administration and community/school relations and student services.

The $1.6 million building is the final project in a $9 million bond referendum that was voted on by the public. The referendum was split to fund three different projects, including a new roof on Northampton County High School-East, the construction of Central Elementary School and the new administrative office.

In other business, the board approved a draft between Northampton County Schools and Wilkie Real Estate, Inc. to sell the Jackson Eastside property.

It was reported that Dr. Ralph Stoney with Roanoke-Chowan Community College had no interest in the property and a figure would be suggested at the next meeting.

The board also approved bids for the Northampton County Child Nutrition Program for the 2007-08 year. They also approved an amendment to the Child Nutrition Amended Procurement Plan.

The board also accepted a donation of a mobile Freno whirlpool for Northampton County High School-West for use by their athletic department.