Jackson County Public Schools proposed school building projects and renovations are now projected to cost far more than originally estimated, according to updated figures presented during a joint meeting of the Jackson County Board of Education and Jackson County Board of Commissioners on January 22nd, 2026.
County leaders had budgeted about $34 million for the work. Updated projections from Vannoy Construction put the total at roughly $65.2 million, creating a funding gap of nearly $30 million.
The most urgent priority remains a new middle school, tied to a $52 million state Needs Based Grant awarded on Sept. 27, 2024. The grant requires construction to begin by Sept. 26, 2026. Project partners said a final cost estimate is not yet available as assessments continue on the recently purchased site along N.C. 107.
Several other projects have also climbed significantly in projected cost. Renovations at Smoky Mountain High School increased from an estimated $4.2 million to nearly $11 million. Fairview Elementary renovations rose from $4.2 million to about $9.6 million. The Blue Ridge School and Early College project increased from $15.2 million to nearly $39 million, while the county bus garage renovation grew from $2 million to nearly $6 million.
Commissioners and school leaders discussed ways to reduce costs, including adjusting timelines. By the end of the meeting, the boards agreed to delay the bus garage project while focusing on school improvements.
Planning continues on projects already underway. A groundbreaking for the Smoky Mountain High School track and field complex is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 9 at 1:30 p.m., and Fairview’s kitchen and cafeteria project is currently out for bid.
