A $62M grant will spark school renovation, construction and refurbishment projects

Local leaders are ushering in a type of construction project not seen in Edgecombe County in more than 45 years.

Edgecombe County Public Schools recently was awarded a $62 million needs-based grant from the N.C. Department of Public Instruction.

The school district will use the grant award in part to develop the new North Edgecombe School of Innovation campus in Leggett, which will serve students from pre-K through 12th grade.

The renovation project will consolidate three schools in northern Edgecombe County — Coker-Wimberly Elementary, Phillips Middle and North Edgecombe High.

The initiative also includes the renovation of North Edgecombe High School, the construction of a new Career and Technical Education facility, the creation of a new facility that will serve students in pre-K through eighth grade and the refurbishment of campus grounds and athletics fields.

The last school built in the county was SouthWest Edgecombe High School, which was established in 1978.

School officials said the grant funding will significantly benefit students and community by providing a state-of-the-art educational facility designed to foster innovation, creativity and academic excellence.

“We are thrilled to be able to share this good news with our community,” said Edgecombe County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Andy Bryan. “This grant will enable us to create an environment where students can thrive and achieve their fullest potential. We are committed to providing exceptional educational opportunities for all our students, and this new school is a significant step towards that goal.”

Edgecombe County Manager Eric Evans called the grant announcement an exciting opportunity for the county.

“This investment in the North Edgecombe School of Innovation will create a transformative educational environment, helping to prepare our young citizens for the job opportunities of tomorrow while strengthening our community today,” Evans said.

Dr. Evelyn Wilson, chair of the county’s Board of Education, expressed her gratitude to the county commissioners for their support of the project and the school system.

“Their commitment to education is crucial as we embark on this significant project that will benefit our students and community for generations to come,” Wilson said.

The school system is moving ahead with the planning and development phases of the project, which will incorporate input about the design from families, educators and community members.

The new school will feature modern classrooms, cutting-edge technology and collaborative spaces that encourage student engagement and active learning. It will also provide opportunities for extracurricular activities to give students a well-rounded education, school officials said.

Officials estimate the project will take more than three years to complete.