Asheville City and Buncombe County School System Consolidation Feasibility Study
Asheville City and Buncombe County School System Consolidation Feasibility Study
In September of 2023 the North Carolina General Assembly mandated that the Asheville City and Buncombe County school systems jointly study the feasibility of a merger. To date, Buncombe County Commissioners were designated the lead entity for this project and issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to select a vendor to facilitate the study. “This is a really important question, and I want us to do this right. I think we should follow through on this, it was not a started on the local level, but we want this to be a process with integrity,” said Chair Newman.
The Board approved an amendment to establish the budget necessary ($301,543) to pay for that study and awarded a contract to the recommended vendor Prismatic Services, Inc. The proposed timeline is:
April 2024: Prismatic Services to launch study
December 2024: Prismatic Services to submit final report
January 2025: Commissioners & School Boards to discuss findings/recommendations
February 2025: Board of Education to report to General Assembly
Beginning in September, Buncombe County will host a series of drop-in meetings to hear from community members. Learn more about meeting dates and locations below. An online survey will also open for public feedback on the issues. Find more information here.
School Feasibility Study Drop-In Community Meeting: Owen Middle School
School Feasibility Study Drop-In Community Meeting: East Asheville Library
School Feasibility Study Drop-In Community Meeting: Cane Creek Middle School
School Feasibility Study Drop-In Community Meeting: Weaverville Community Center
School Feasibility Study Drop-In Community Meeting: Isaac Dickson Elementary School
School Feasibility Study Drop-In Community Meeting: Erwin High School
School Feasibility Study Drop-In Community Meeting: Enka Intermediate School
School Feasibility Study Drop-In Community Meeting: Hall Fletcher Elementary School
School Feasibility Study Drop-In Community Meeting: Skyland/South Buncombe Library
School Feasibility Study Community Meeting: Virtual Meeting
Register below to attend the online event. Registration is required for this event. Event links and details will be emailed before the meeting.
School Consolidation Feasibility Study Presentation to Board of Commissioners
On March 19, 2024, Rachael Sawyer, the Buncombe County Director of Strategic Partnerships, presented an update on the School Consolidation Feasibility Study to Commissioners.
School Consolidation Feasibility Study Presentation to Board of Commissioners
On Oct. 17, 2023 Rachael Sawyer, the Buncombe County Director of Strategic Partnerships, presented ideas on the process for School Consolidation Feasibility Study to Commissioners.