Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Anthony
Jackson recently met with parents from Parker Middle, Red Oak Elementary, Swift Creek
Elementary, D.S. Johnson Elementary, and O.R. Pope Elementary for what he
called a preliminary conversation on the potential for school consolidation. “We
want parents to be aware, informed and engaged as we work through this process.
A year ago, we began a full review of our facility conditions,” Jackson said.
“We learned that our buildings ranged in age from one year to nearly 80 years
of age.”
Red Oak Elementary, Swift Creek Elementary, D.S Johnson
Elementary and O.R. Pope Elementary have the highest facility need indexes of
any of the elementary schools in the district. Jackson shared that the schools
are well past their life span, and that the cost to renovate the buildings
would be nearly the same as the cost to consolidate schools, into two brand new
facilities. “These schools simply do not meet the needs or the expectations of
our community when it comes to providing a safe and orderly environment for our
students.” Jackson said.
Jackson showed pictures of the aging infrastructure in the schools, and described how the mechanical systems fall short of the expectations for 21st Century school buildings. He also emphasized
that the consolidation timeline would not come to realization for at least
another two or three school years, as the school system must first begin
discussions, finalize priorities, and secure funding. Jackson also said the
school system would host school tours for parents so that they could be
well-informed, advocate for new schools and stay involved throughout the
process.
The Consolidation Plan for high priority projects includes:
Consolidate four elementary school sites into two school sites.
·
Red Oak Elementary School/Swift
Creek Elementary School - one new
facility.
·
Pope Elementary School/Johnson
Elementary School – one new facility using Fairview Elementary School as the
core facility for a new facility to serve 600 students.
·
Consolidate two middle school
sites into one.
· Parker Middle School/Rocky Mount Middle School at current RMMS site.
· Move and consolidate all district Non-traditional programs to one site.
· Tar River Academy at the current Parker Middle School site after renovation.
· Construct a permanent facility for the Nash-Rocky Mount Early College High School.
· Currently the entire program is operating out of mobile units on the NCC campus.
For more information about school consolidation and the school board’s capital improvement plan, visit the NRMPS website, www.nrms.k12.nc.us, and select Capital Improvement Plan.
