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State athletic realignment draft could increase travel for Lenoir County high schools, district told
Summary
A first draft of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association’s 2025–29 realignment would place one Lenoir County school in 4A and two in 3A; district officials said travel and fuel costs are primary concerns and at least one school has lodged a concern for appeal.
District athletics staff on Jan. 6 told the Lenoir County Board of Education that a first draft of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association’s (NCHSAA) realignment would shift local schools into new classifications and could increase travel and costs for student athletes.
The NCHSAA adopted new bylaws in May 2023 that will take effect for the 2025–26 school year and classify schools solely by average daily membership (ADM) for the first month of the school year. The plan creates eight classifications; the largest class (8A) will include the 32 schools with the highest ADM, and the remaining classes will be divided roughly evenly.
What the first draft says about Lenoir County: According to the district presentation, an initial draft published Dec. 18 placed one Lenoir County high school in Class 4A and two in Class 3A. The presenter identified Kinston High School and one county rival in a 2A/3A split conference in preliminary conference proposals; the draft is subject to change.
District concerns: The athletics presentation flagged three practical concerns for appeal — travel time, cost and competitive balance. The school system reported combined yellow‑bus and activity‑bus routing totaled roughly 1,400,000 miles last year; the presenter used $3.04 per mile as a prorated cost figure to illustrate the financial impact of increased travel. District officials said they are working with principals and athletic directors to formulate any appeals.
Process and next steps: A memo detailing how to submit concerns was issued to member schools on Jan. 6, and the association plans a second draft after state review of concerns. Member schools may submit formal appeals; the association anticipates one more draft followed by an appeal window in April. The new alignment will begin in August 2025.
Local commitments: District officials told the board that even if state classification separates the county’s high schools, local schools are committed to continuing in‑county matchups where possible because of community interest and student travel considerations.
Ending Officials encouraged principals and athletic directors who have concerns about conference placement to prepare formal appeals when the second draft is released.
