Like many rural districts across North Carolina, Avery County Schools is experiencing declining enrollment. This decline has resulted in under-utilized school buildings and shrinking grade-level cohorts, particularly at the middle school level. Over time, this makes it increasingly difficult to sustain strong academic programs, offer a full range of extracurricular opportunities, and efficiently use our limited resources.
After careful review and discussion, the Board is considering the consolidation of our two middle schools into a single, targeted 7–8 middle school, while keeping pre-kindergarten through sixth grade students at their existing elementary school sites. This proposal is designed to strengthen—not diminish—educational opportunities for our students.
By consolidating grades 7 and 8 into one middle school, we can concentrate critical resources in a way that better serves students. This includes access to specialized teachers, school counselors, interventionists, improved facilities, and stronger athletic and extracurricular programs. A consolidated middle school would allow us to better support students with the highest academic and social-emotional needs while also expanding opportunities for all learners.
Additionally, this approach is expected to create long-term operational savings, helping to lessen the annual increase in local tax dollars needed to operate our school system and allowing the Board to focus resources on classrooms, instructional supports, and student services—where they matter most.
We recognize that any discussion of consolidation raises important questions and concerns. Community input is essential, and no final decisions have been made. To that end, we invite all parents, staff, students, and community members to attend a public forum where the proposed plan will be presented in greater detail and where public comment will be welcomed.
This public forum will be held at our next regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting, which has been moved to February 12th, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will take place in the Avery County High School Gym.
We encourage your participation as we work together to make thoughtful, responsible decisions that best serve the students of Avery County—both now and in the future.
Thank you.
Avery County Board of Education