The Yancey County Board of Education (BOE) is committed to not only providing current students and families with the best possible educational experience, but also to ensure success for years to come. In pursuit of this commitment, the BOE has entered into a preliminary contract to purchase 133 acres of land on the west end of the county. The contract allows for a 45 day due diligence period in which the BOE will perform geological and environmental testing to examine the land’s usability.
As the population and industry continues to grow in Yancey County, enrollment in Yancey County Schools has steadily increased. The additions that are currently under construction at Burnsville and Blue Ridge Elementary Schools will provide room for growth for approximately the next 5 years. With continued growth in the western portion of Yancey County, an additional elementary school will be needed to help redistribute the student population.
The majority of funds that will be used for the land purchase are from the NC Education Lottery funds Yancey County Schools has accumulated over several years. There are parameters on how these funds can be spent and land acquisition is one of the limited uses the district may employ. Yancey County Schools' ability to purchase land with these funds eliminates the need to request additional support from the Yancey County Commissioners.
Overall, the Yancey County Board of Education considers the purchase of this land a valuable investment in the future. It will create opportunities for growth and development, ensuring long-term benefits for the education of Yancey County students.