ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Drop-in meetings started this week for community members to discuss the possible consolidation of Asheville City and Buncombe County school districts. The first was held Monday, and more are scheduled this month.

In September 2023, the North Carolina General Assembly mandated the two school systems study the feasibility of a merger and designated Buncombe County as the lead entity for the project.

Prismatic Services will lead nine drop-in community meetings as well as an online forum to gather community input that will be presented to the North Carolina General Assembly in February 2025.

The drop-in meetings are designed so community members can participate for 15-30 minutes at the time and location that best suits their schedules. Spanish interpretation will be provided. There will be an online forum for those who cannot attend in-person meetings.

Drop-in community meeting schedule:

  • Tuesday, Sept. 10 – 3:45-6:30 p.m. at East Asheville Library, 3 Avon Road, Asheville
  • Thursday, Sept. 12 – 3:45-6:30 p.m. at Cane Creek Middle, 570 Lower Brush Creek Road, Fletcher
  • Friday, Sept. 13 – 11:30 a.m.-2:15 p.m. at Weaverville Community Center, 60 Lakeshore Drive, Weaverville
  • Monday, Sept. 16 – 3:45-6:45 p.m. at Isaac Dickson Elementary, 125 Hill St., Asheville
  • Tuesday, Sept. 17 – 3:30-6:30 p.m. at Erwin High, 60 Lees Creek Road, Asheville
  • Wednesday, Sept. 18 – 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Enka Intermediate, 125 Asheville Commerce Parkway, Candler
  • Thursday, Sept. 19 – 3:45-6:30 p.m. at Hall Fletcher Elementary, 60 Ridgelawn Road, Asheville
  • Friday, Sept. 20 – 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at Skyland/South Buncombe Library, 260 Overlook Road, Asheville
  • Monday, Sept. 23 – 5:30-7:30 p.m. in an online forum

STUDY WILL HELP DECIDE IF CITY, COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICTS SHOULD MERGE

The proposed timeline for the study is:

  • April 2024: Prismatic Services to launch study
  • December 2024: Prismatic Services to submit final report
  • January 2025: Commissioners & School Boards to discuss findings/recommendations
  • February 2025: Board of Education to report to General Assembly

FIND MORE INFORMATION HERE