Jackson County school board keeps Jackson Community School at current site; approves budget amendment, audit contract, summer testing and several routine items

The Jackson County Board of Education on Feb. 24 voted to keep Jackson Community School (the district’s alternative/community program) at its current location and to pursue enrollment growth and facility repairs rather than immediately relocating the program to the Smoky Mountain High School campus.

The board acted after a community listening session that included students and staff; multiple board members said they heard overwhelmingly from the community that the school should remain in a separate location to allow for growth and to preserve the program’s culture.

Why it matters: Board members said the alternative program’s culture and room for individualized instruction are critical to students who benefit from a smaller, different learning environment. The district also discussed facility repairs and the need to balance per‑student costs at smaller schools against the program’s educational benefits.

Key discussion and vote

Board members described community input gathered at a March listening session and a separate meeting at Jackson Community School. Chair Wes…