$6.6 Million Improvements for Two Yancey County Schools

(PRESS RELEASE)

Yancey County Schools received some great news from the NC Department of Public Instruction at the end of April, being awarded grant funding of $6,693,944.00 for renovations and repairs for South Toe Elementary ($1,873,944) and East Yancey Middle School ($4,820,000).

“I am very appreciative of State Senator Ralph Hise, State Superintendent Catherine Truitt, members of the General Assembly, our local grant committee members (Lynn Austin, Brandi Burleson, Jamie McMahan, Kim Bennet, Robbie Renfro, Donny Laws, Robert Branch, Derek Murphy, Edwin Fortner, Heather Cox) and all other community members who advocated for our school system. The 6.6 Million dollars in funding through the Needs-Based School Capital grant will positively impact the learning environments for our students, faculty and staff throughout our community” stated Kathy Amos, YCS School Superintendent.

School Board Chairman Edwin Fortner stated, “What a privilege it is for Yancey County Schools to receive these grants. This funding is going to change the future of our school system. There has been an incredible amount of time, effort, and energy in writing and submitting the grants as well as phone calls and making contact with various people to request support for these grants. I appreciate each one who has helped in this process. We look forward to the next round of funding for our remaining schools.”

Funds will be specifically used for new roofs, flooring, heating and air systems, bathroom and kitchen renovations. Over the next seven years more capital funding will be released by the General Assembly each year for additions, renovations and repairs in our public schools. YCS currently has grant applications in for Burnsville Elementary (30 years old), Cane River Middle School (65 years old) and Blue Ridge Elementary to address Phase II of our long range facilities plan

State Superintendent Catherine Truitt, YCS Superintendent Kathy Amos, YCS Board Chairman Edwin Fortner at the Needs-Based Funds Grant Ceremony on Thursday, May 12th