New Middle School Proposed For Jackson County

During last Thursday’s special joint meeting between the Jackson County Board of Education and the Board of Commissioners, the district’s second main priority emerged – constructing a separate middle school facility. Fairview Elementary’s cafeteria and classrooms take precedence in remodeling, while the new middle school stands as the second priority, aiming to address the limitations faced by the district’s 698 middle-grade students. Superintendent Dana Ayers emphasized the need for an independent middle school to provide diverse opportunities, including enhanced arts programs, academics, career education, and athletics. The proposed facility, estimated at $150 million, would be situated between Sylva and Dillsboro, emphasizing its potential impact on emotional learning, professional collaboration among teachers, and overall student development.