A new high school could be in the future for the Bulldogs
First Floor Site Plan submitted by Thomasville City School District. {Contributed Photo}
Second Floor site plan. {Photo: Thomasville City Schools & SFL+A Architects}
During the regular meeting of the Davidson County Commissioners, Thomasville City Schools was approved for a $9,806,318 match required for the Department of Public Instruction Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund. If awarded, funds of up to $62 million will be used to build a two-story Thomasville High School. DPI funds for this project include proceeds from the North Carolina Lottery.
The new high school replacement will be on the site of the existing Thomasville Senior High School, neighboring Thomasville Middle School. The current high school consists of eight buildings constructed between 1958 and 2009. Five of the eight buildings were part of the original school construction that was started in 1958. “In the six decades since, the current facility is inadequate for modern needs regarding instructional delivery, student safety and physical and technological infrastructure, as well as being noncompliant with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements,” according to the proposal.
The project will include a two-story facility housing 21 core classrooms, serving approximately 700 ninth to twelfth grade students. The student-centered school will combine buildings used for core and elective classes into one. Design is in the early stages.
Plans include the demolition of four buildings that currently house Math, English, Social Studies, Arts and Career and Technical Education, as well as the cafeteria. This will accompany the existing gymnasium, a multipurpose building, a science building and an administration building. It is expected the multipurpose building will house ROTC and the administration and science buildings will be repurposed to house the district’s central office.
DPI requires a demonstration of need for evaluation. The proposal highlights student safety, construction concerns and more suitable learning environments for the request.
“In addition, there are inadequate facilities to add curricula that are in demand in partnership with Davidson-Davie Community College, such as welding and small engine repair,” the proposal stated. “As enrollment continues to rebound from the pandemic and as the needs of students and the community continue to grow and evolve, the current facility is insufficient to accommodate growth, expansion or modernization.”
Retiring Thomasville City Schools Superintendent Chris Kennedy spoke briefly about the process noting that it began with renovation. Kennedy said given the cost of renovation and age of buildings, “this is the best investment for our taxpayers.” Kennedy said the alternative would require the system to “nickel and dime” the county each year for capital funds. He thanked commissioners and state representatives for “invaluable” support. “This is a competitive grant. We are not guaranteed to receive it but I feel our application is solid… What that would mean for our city and our district would be beyond words.”
If approved, construction is estimated for completion by August 2027.
