N.C. District to Build New K–12 Innovation Center

Edgecombe County Public Schools in Edgecombe, N.C., has received $62 million in government funding for the development of the new North Edgecombe School of Innovation, according to a news release. The Needs-Based Grant from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) will help the district create a new facility that "foster[s] innovation, creativity, and academic excellence" for students in grades PreK through 12.

The project involves renovating North Edgecombe High School, building a new Career and Technical Education facility, building a new PreK–8 facility, and renovating grounds and athletic fields to consolidate three district schools — Coker-Wimberly Elementary School, Phillips Middle School, and North Edgecombe High School.

"We are thrilled to be able to share this good news with our community," said Edgecombe County Public Schools Superintendent Andy Bryan. "This grant will enable us to create an environment where students can thrive and achieve their fullest potential. We are committed to providing exceptional educational opportunities for all our students, and this new school is a significant step towards that goal."

The facility will include academic space, upgraded technology, and built-in collaborative spaces to foster creativity and engagement, according to the news release.

"This is an exciting opportunity for Edgecombe County. This investment in the North Edgecombe School of Innovation will create a transformative educational environment, helping to prepare our young citizens for the job opportunities of tomorrow while strengthening our community today," said Edgecombe County Manager Eric Evans.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • elementary schoolchildren using digital tablet in classroom

    CoSN: 3 Principles that Should Guide Screen Time Policies in Schools

    CoSN, the professional association for K-12 education technology leaders, has released new guidance to help schools navigate the screen time debate and develop technology policies that protect students while supporting learning.

  • Students using laptops in classroom

    Stop Asking Whether Students Can Use AI

    As generative AI has become embedded in the tools students use to search, write, create, translate, organize, and receive feedback, the boundary between "using AI" and "not using AI" has become increasingly difficult to define. More importantly, treating AI use as a binary choice does little to help students understand the different roles AI can appropriately play in learning.

  • Girl playing video games

    5 Lessons Video Game Designers Can Teach Educators About Learning

    Video game designers spend an enormous amount of time studying what keeps people engaged when something becomes difficult. They have become very good at helping people persist. Schools should pay attention.

  • education funding and graduation symbols on wooden dice

    What Is the Education Freedom Tax Credit and How Will It Work?

    The federal Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC) is a new source of funding for education that could benefit 90% of students in states that have opted in to the program. However, some confusion and misconceptions exist surrounding details of the program, including which programs may qualify, how parents can apply for scholarships, and how public school students can benefit.