McDowell County commissioners approve contracts to secure two parcels for possible consolidated school

McDowell County commissioners voted to authorize the McDowell County Board of Education to move forward with contracts to secure two parcels of land that district officials say would place a future consolidated school within roughly 1.5 miles of East McDowell Middle School.

Dr. Tracy Grit, superintendent of McDowell County Schools, told the commissioners the purchases are part of a multiyear effort that responds to facility and enrollment studies recommending consolidation and a centrally located future site. “We believe we’re positioned to seek funding, but I cannot say when we will receive it,” Dr. Grit said, noting competitive state capital grants and the need to be “shovel ready.”

The two properties presented were the Gurley property (East Court at Ridge Road, on U.S. 70) listed at $1,700,000 and a Dry Kiln/65 Jacktown Road parcel listed at $1,500,000. Dr. Grit said the district has entered into contracts and is in a 120-day due-diligence period for each parcel; the board will decide which, if either, to purchase once environmental and site analyses are complete.

A commissioner asked whether the purchases would be funded from school capital funds; the superintendent confirmed the school system’s capital reserves, including sales tax funds set aside for capital, would be used. Commissioners then moved and seconded motions to approve the purchases; both motions passed with aye votes.

Why it matters: state-level school construction grants can be substantial (Dr. Grit cited state awards of up to $42 million for an elementary school, $52 million for a middle school and $62 million for a high school). The district’s ability to apply competitively depends on having an identified, shovel-ready site within the radius recommended in prior studies.

What happens next: the district will complete due diligence (including Phase I environmental reviews) during the 120-day contract periods and return to the board with recommendations on which parcel to buy. Commissioners offered to provide letters of support to state legislators on the district’s behalf.

Votes at a glance: - Approve purchase contract for property at 65 Jacktown Road (listed $1,500,000): approved (motion moved and seconded; ayes). - Approve purchase contract for Gurley property (East Court / U.S. 70 / Ridge Road) (listed $1,700,000): approved (motion moved and seconded; ayes).

Ending: Dr. Grit thanked the commissioners for their support and said the school board and district staff will continue work on site evaluation and grant-readiness.