Revenue from the North Carolina Education Lottery will tremendously impact Martin County in the form of a new high school.
The announcement came Thursday morning during an event hosted by Dr. Michelle White, Superintendent of Martin County Schools. Surrounded by students, staff, and area officials, White shared the game-changing news.
“Martin County Schools has been awarded $62 million to build a new Martin County High School,” she explained. Adding to the excitement is that "no local match is required.”
Martin County Schools officially consolidated South Creek and Riverside High Schools on July 1, 2024. A primary goal of the consolidation was to give students equitable, increased opportunities and the highest quality educational experience. “Winning this grant is the next step in that promise,” White shared.
The grant affords Martin County Schools one year of planning before construction begins.
This grant will benefit the entire county and play a significant role in drawing people to Martin County and Martin County Schools,” said White. “When completed, the new Martin County High School will be a recruitment tool and economic catalyst for our community.”
“These funds are coming from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction to Martin County Schools through a Needs-Based Public School
Capital Fund Grant and are specifically designated for new school construction, additions, repairs, and renovations of existing facilities.”
Martin County High School needs over five million dollars in repairs, including a new roof, aging plumbing, a broken bell system, and numerous compliance issues.
“It’s simply a blessing for Martin County Schools to receive this grant,” according to White. “A high school is the most expensive school to build. Portions of the capital funds we are currently sinking into the upkeep of the existing Martin County High School, which opened in 1974, can benefit other facilities. In time, we hope to address facility needs at the elementary school level in our district.”
Robersonville Mayor Tina Brown was one of the local officials in attendance for today’s announcement.
“This is a great opportunity for our county and our students,” Brown said. When asked what she thought this could mean for the county economically, she replied, “There’s a saying if you build it, they will come. Building a new high school will definitely boost our economy and our tax base within the county. It’s just an exciting time for all of us.”
Doug Baker, a Martin County native and member of the Martin County Board of Education, summed up today’s event. “It’s a great day for Martin County Schools. I really appreciate what Dr. White did to get all this done,” said Baker. “It’s been an amazing ride for the last 12 months and it’s just going to get better.”
Renee Purvis, Vice-Chair of the Martin County Board of Education, added. “As a proud board member and a Williamston High School graduate, with a daughter who graduated from here as well as her father,” she paused, “ this is a great day to be a Gator,”
“Our students deserve the best. Thanks to the grant, we will continue to improve the education experience for the students of Martin County.”