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Nash County Public Schools Breaks Ground on New Southern Nash Middle School

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Groundbreaking

NASH COUNTY, NC (March 5, 2026) — Nash County Public Schools, community leaders, and elected officials gathered Thursday to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Southern Nash Middle School, marking a major investment in the future of education in the southern region of the county.

The ceremony was held on approximately 34 acres of land near the intersection of N.C. 581 and N.C. 97, just northwest of Southern Nash High School. The site will soon be home to a 120,000-square-foot middle school designed to serve approximately 1,100 students.

District leaders were joined by members of the Nash County Board of Education, county commissioners, state leaders, staff, students, families, and community partners to mark the official start of construction.

Angie Miller, Special Assistant of Auxiliary Services, Operations, and Athletics for Nash County Public Schools, welcomed guests and emphasized the significance of the project for the Southern Nash community.

“Projects like this are the result of years of planning and strong partnerships,” Miller said. “Today represents not only the beginning of construction but also a shared commitment from our community to invest in the future of our students.”

Superintendent Dr. Steve Ellis highlighted the long-term impact the new school will have on students and families.

“Today’s groundbreaking signals progress for Southern Nash and represents a long-term investment in the future of public education in our county,” Ellis said. “Our students deserve safe, modern learning environments that reflect the value we place on their education and their future.”

The new school was made possible through a $40 million Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund grant funded by the North Carolina Education Lottery, along with a $4 million match from Nash County, demonstrating a strong partnership between local and state leaders to support public education.

Board of Education Chair Franklin Lamm highlighted the impact the new facility will have on students.

“Today represents more than the start of construction,” Lamm said. “It represents investment, vision, and belief in the future of Southern Nash.”

The ceremony also featured remarks from state and local leaders, including Representative Allen Chesser, Senator Lisa Barnes, and Nash County Commissioner Chair Marvin Arrington, along with remarks delivered on behalf of U.S. Congressman Don Davis.

Southern Nash Middle School Principal Sonya Horton shared her excitement for the opportunities the new facility will provide for students.

“Our students deserve a campus that reflects their potential,” Horton said. “Today is the first step toward creating a space where they can dream bigger, learn more, and feel supported in every way.”

Students also took part in the ceremony, including sixth grader Rhett Boykin, who shared remarks on behalf of the student body.

“Not many students get to say they watched their future school being built from the ground up,” Boykin said. “Thank you for believing in us and investing in our future.”

The ceremony concluded with a ceremonial shovel-turning featuring district leaders, elected officials, and students, symbolizing the start of construction on the new school.

When completed, the new Southern Nash Middle School will provide modern learning spaces designed to support collaboration, innovation, and student engagement while helping Nash County Public Schools meet the growing needs of the Southern Nash community.

 

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Media Contact:
Caroline Johnson
Communications Department
csjohnson@ncpschools.net

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