Graham Hayes, assistant superintendent for Haywood County Schools, told the Board of Commissioners on June 2 that the district is asking the county to appropriate $1,548,500 from the public schools capital fund to purchase three parcels totaling 16.29 acres and to fund up to $900,000 in renovations.

Hayes said the parcels — offered to the district by the property owner — adjoin the Junaluska Elementary area and include land that wraps behind the school and provides additional buffer and potential future expansion. The purchase price he cited was $648,500 for the three parcels.

The renovation funds, up to $900,000, would be used to move the county’s Early College program into the Poplar Building on the Haywood Community College (HCC) campus and to establish an Innovative Middle School in the vacated Dogwood Building. Hayes described the Innovative Middle School as an accelerated, immersive option for students who would benefit from a curriculum that might include earlier access to subjects such as environmental science; the program would be developed in partnership with HCC but would not enroll middle‑school students in HCC college classes.

Hayes said the district currently serves about 160–170 students in the Early College program; initial enrollment for the Innovative Middle School could be smaller — for example 50–60 students — with plans to scale over time. He emphasized the district’s intent to “take our time” and roll the program out deliberately.

Commissioners asked about potential funding sources and legislative developments; one commissioner noted provisions in a House budget proposal that could provide additional support for career and early‑college pathways and temporary relief on K‑3 class size requirements. Hayes said the Haywood County Board of Education recommended the purchase and the renovation appropriation and provided a motion to the commissioners.

The board approved the appropriation and the manager’s authorization to sign related documents by unanimous vote.

Speakers: Graham Hayes, Assistant Superintendent (presenting); Dr. Trevor Putnam, Superintendent (regretted absence).