Yancey County Schools is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a generous grant of $3,066,621 from NCDPI Public Schools Capital Fund to construct a major addition to Blue Ridge Elementary. This significant investment will support the district’s commitment to enhancing educational facilities and improving learning environments for students.
The grant will be added to the previously awarded $9.8 million for the construction of a new classroom wing, which is expected to be completed by November 2025. The addition will provide 12 new classrooms and support spaces plus an administrative space, enabling the school to accommodate a growing student population and offer enriched educational opportunities.
“We are incredibly grateful to State Superintendent Catherine Truitt and NCDPI for their support,” said Kathy Amos, Superintendent of Yancey County Schools. “This grant represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide a high-quality education for all our students. The new facilities will greatly enhance our ability to deliver innovative and engaging learning experiences.”
The expansion is part of the district’s broader, long range facility plan to address the needs of its growing community and aging facilities. In combination with the addition at Burnsville Elementary, this construction will ensure that all students have access to modern, well-equipped learning environments.
“It is so humbling to see how blessed Yancey County is,” shared Chairman Edwin Fortner. “I would like to thank all who have worked so hard to ensure every need for our students and staff are being met. As Blue Ridge was under construction, we spent every dollar available to make it all it could be. No one could have envisioned the growth that our school system was about to experience. Today, students and staff from surrounding counties are seeking the opportunities available here as never before. We are now almost at capacity and once again we are expanding to meet the need. I want to thank our state superintendent Catherine Truitt, all of her staff, our grant writers and everyone who has worked so tirelessly to make this happen. I also want to thank the people of Yancey County for their patience as construction is taking place. Thank you for providing opportunities for all children to step into the future fully prepared for success.”
A groundbreaking ceremony for this project is scheduled for September 12, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. Ongoing updates and progress reports will be shared with the community through the YCS website, social media pages and local media sources. YCS is excited about the positive impact this project will have on students, staff, and the community at large.
This most recent award brings the total grant funds received from NCDPI for facilities additions and renovations to $40,030,445. YCS is also grateful to the Yancey County Commissioners for investing in our children and communities by contributing half of the required 5% match. The full sum to be applied to YCS school buildings over the next 2 years is $42,031,971.
YCS is dedicated to providing exceptional educational opportunities and fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment for students. Serving over 2,100 students across 7 schools, the district is committed to academic excellence and community involvement.