The Barn
Yancey County Schools celebrated the groundbreaking for two projects on Friday, September 5, 2025. First, YCS celebrated the groundbreaking of a new state-of-the-art Agricultural Barn and Livestock Show Arena, a project designed to enhance hands-on learning opportunities for students and strengthen YCS’s agricultural education programs. The facility is scheduled to be complete in July 2026.
The new Barn will feature a student classroom, restrooms, two small locker rooms, and a spacious free-span arena with a compacted natural surface designed for stabling and exercising livestock, as well as conducting practical, hands-on classes for students. Adjacent to the Barn, the facility will include a Livestock Show Arena with spectator seating, restrooms, and lighting.
“This project represents a step forward for our schools and community,” said Edwin Fortner, Yancey County Schools Board of Education Chairman. “Agriculture has always been at the heart of Yancey County, and this facility ensures our students have the resources to gain real-world experience that prepares them for careers and opportunities in this vital industry.”
A major segment of funding for this project was made possible through a grant from the NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation (ADFP) Advisory Committee. During her comments, Superintendent Kathy Amos thanked NC Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler as well as many state and local members who made this project possible.
The Agricultural Barn and Livestock Show Facility will serve as a cornerstone for the district’s agricultural education program, offering students a unique opportunity to apply classroom learning in real-life settings while fostering responsibility, teamwork, and leadership skills. Yancey County Schools will collaborate with 4-H, NC Cooperative Extension and the Cattlemen’s Association to ensure that these community partners can also utilize the facilities.
CTE Expansion
YCS also celebrated the groundbreaking of the new Career and Technical Education (CTE) Expansion Building, a 6,000 square foot facility that will enhance vocational training opportunities for students at Mountain Heritage High School (MHHS). The new building will be located directly behind the existing Orr Building on the MHHS campus.
This purpose-built facility is designed to support the continued growth of YCS’s CTE programs and will house both the Heavy Equipment Operations and Electrical Trades programs. Additionally, it will offer expanded workspace for carpentry students, enabling them to take on larger, more complex projects in a safe and well-equipped environment.
The Heavy Equipment program will benefit from dedicated space to accommodate Carolina CAT simulators, allowing students to gain valuable, hands-on training in equipment operation within a controlled, classroom-based setting. The expansion will also include additional instructional space to support classroom learning alongside simulator-based practice.
Students enrolled in the Electrical program will have access to updated and specialized lab areas, providing an ideal environment for developing essential skills through real-world, hands-on training. These improvements are part of YCS’s ongoing commitment to preparing students for high-demand careers in the skilled trades.
Superintendent Kathy Amos shared remarks during the ceremony, emphasizing the importance of providing students with high-quality, career-focused education:
“This expansion reflects our continued investment in the future of our students and our community. By equipping our schools with the tools and facilities necessary to deliver cutting-edge CTE instruction, we are empowering students with the skills they need to succeed in today’s workforce.”
A significant share of the funding for this project was graciously provided by Dogwood Health Trust. Construction of the CTE Expansion Building is expected to be completed by June 2026, with programs anticipated to begin utilizing the space shortly thereafter. By moving the carpentry students, we will expand the space for our automotive program as well as our future aviation program.
About Yancey County Schools
Yancey County Schools is dedicated to equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences they need to thrive in college, career, and life. Through innovative programs, strong community partnerships, and a commitment to student success, Yancey County Schools is proud to serve the families of Yancey County.
