Rotary Club of Highlands

Issue: November - 2022

An impressive group of spokespeople representing Macon County recently addressed the Rotary Club of Highlands about the need for capital improvements at Highlands and Franklin Schools on November 29.

Emily Kite, Senior Project Manager at LS3P Architecture firm, provides oversight for these two school projects.

Highlands School:

In Highlands, funds raised by AHEC, the Advance Highlands Education Committee, jumpstarted an examination of needs at Highlands School. Kite said LS3P Architecture worked with stakeholders to develop an innovative conceptual plan that addresses needs as follow:

• Adaptation of 2 classrooms for pre-K use that will accommodate 36 children
• Renovation of the media center
• Transformation of “home ec room” and “shop”, to a “Makers Lab” incorporating home economics and carpentry and new technologies that will equip students for 21^st century career choices
• Repairs and renovations of middle school wing. Once the County finalizes and approves these items they can also be added to the project’s scope.

At the November Macon County Commissioners meeting, funding for continued architectural design was approved.  The construction budget cannot be finalized until the full scope of the project is certain.  It is anticipated that funding for the project will come from the state of North Carolina and Macon County.  Construction could begin as early as this summer, with a 12-15 month construction timetable.

Franklin High School

Gary Shields, Macon County Commissioner, sounded the alarm bell in describing the critical need for a new high school in Franklin.  The current high school, originally constructed in 1952 and expanded over the years to a seven building campus, serves 1,000 students.  Shields urged listeners to learn more at maconnc.org/FHS.html  especially the FHS Facility Assessment Report Summary.pdf.

The existing conditions of each of the seven buildings on the sprawling campus were evaluated by LS3P Architecture. Extensive work is needed to repair the buildings, replace major building equipment, create ADA accessibility and improve safety throughout the campus.

Reflecting on his 37 year career in education, including 21 years as Principal of Franklin High School, Shields said  “Physically and mentally disabled students deserve the best education they can achieve and the temporarily physically handicapped students deserve the same.  Safe, orderly and caring school environments are a must. A new Franklin High will be a magnet in bringing quality professional people into our communities thus serving as an economic boost to Macon County.

“I am so committed to seeing this project through I am dedicating myself to educating our community about our schools’ needs.”