Watauga County Schools Provides Update on Valle Crucis School Construction and Contingency Planning for 2025–26 School Year

BOONE, NC – As construction of the new Valle Crucis School enters its final stages, the Watauga County Board of Education and Watauga County Commissioners are monitoring progress to ensure a safe and smooth start to the 2025–2026 academic year.

While H&M Construction maintains that the building will be ready for occupancy by August 12, 2025, architectural partners at Clark Nexsen have expressed concerns that this timeline may be overly optimistic based on current progress and unfinished work.

“Our number one priority is ensuring that students and staff return to a safe, fully functioning, and welcoming environment,” said Superintendent Leslie Alexander. “We remain hopeful, but realistic. We deeply appreciate the continued support from our partners at Valle Crucis Conference Center, Holy Cross Episcopal Church, and Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute, who are prepared to host students and staff again if needed.”

To ensure in-person learning in a safe environment, Watauga County Schools has made contingency plans to use CCC&TI, VCCC, and Holy Cross Episcopal as alternative instructional sites should the new facility not be ready for immediate occupancy.

“We share the community’s excitement for the new Valle Crucis School,” said Watauga County Board of Education Chair Gary Childers. “While we are disappointed in the uncertainty surrounding the construction timeline, we will not compromise when it comes to the safety and readiness of our schools.”

Several critical construction milestones must be reached in the next ten days to ensure that all mechanical systems function effectively and that the school passes all life safety and health inspections. These inspections are essential to gaining approval for occupancy before the scheduled first day of school on August 18.

Watauga County Schools will provide an official update to families and staff on August 1, including the latest on construction progress and plans for the opening of school.

“We’re grateful for the collaboration and commitment shown by our education partners and community,” said Watauga County Commission Chair Braxton Eggers. “Our shared goal is a successful, safe, stable start to the school year.”

The district remains committed to opening the new Valle Crucis School as soon as all inspections are completed and the facility is cleared for safe use. The dedication to ensuring a high-quality start to the school year for all Valle Crucis students remains unwavering.