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Haywood County Schools shifts focus to Simmons property for new high school and approves intergovernmental MOU
Summary
The board voted to change its preferred site for a proposed new high school to the Simmons property, approved a memorandum of understanding that assigns responsibilities among the Industrial Development Board, Haywood County Commission and Haywood County Schools, and noted environmental review remains required.
The Haywood County Schools Board voted to change its preferred site for a proposed new high school to the Simmons property and approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that outlines responsibilities among the Industrial Development Board, the Haywood County Commission and Haywood County Schools for the land purchase and school‑building process.
A board member said the district had gathered extensive information and previously favored the Stewart property but cited recent developments and the other party’s lack of enthusiasm for doing business as reasons to shift focus to the Simmons property. The mover said the change in focus is conditional on completing required environmental review and other due diligence.
The motion to shift focus to the Simmons property was made, seconded by Mr. VanStory, and approved by roll call. Board members recorded affirmative roll‑call votes: Miss Reed (yes); Mr. Bell (yes); Miss Barrington (yes); Mr. VanStory (yes); Mr. Curry (yes). The transcript records the motion carried.
Separately, the board approved a memorandum of understanding intended to set out which entity is responsible for which tasks in the land purchase and school construction process. The MOU identifies the Industrial Development Board, the Haywood County Commission and Haywood County Schools as parties and says the document will be reviewed and may be tweaked as it goes through each body. The MOU vote was moved by Miss Farrington, seconded by Mr. Van Stewart, and approved on a voice vote.
A board member encouraged public attendance at an upcoming event and thanked the county commission and the IDB for working together; the board noted a public meeting scheduled for December 16 and another support event on January 16 was mentioned in the transcript. Board members said they hope to conclude the MOU and related approvals in roughly a month but acknowledged the environmental process and any subsequent changes could affect timing.
