Superintendent Nathan Ayers told the board on Sept. 23 that district construction work is advancing and that drawings are now available for multiple projects across Jackson County Public Schools.

Ayers said the construction company intends to go out for bids for Fairview and the Smoky Mountain High School track and field complex in October, with bids expected to return in November. He listed additional projects with renderings in development, including Blue Ridge School (kitchen, cafeteria, gym and classrooms), the Smoky Mountain High weight room and field house, and a new bus garage.

Parents of Blue Ridge School and at least one board member expressed frustration that project phases and timetables had shifted since prior public meetings. The board member said parents had been told Blue Ridge was in an early phase of work and that expectations now appeared to have changed.

Ayers and other board members emphasized that the projects are funded and remain in the county budget but that the phased schedule—when particular projects go out for bid—is driven by the county manager and commissioners because the work relies on borrowed money and coordinated packages. Ayers said, "the county manager intends to take... the first package in February, and then the next package will be, May," and noted that Blue Ridge's site poses special site constraints (rock and wetlands) that have required additional bore sampling and planning.

Board member comments and public remarks focused on communication and timelines: parents want clarity on when construction will begin at Blue Ridge; the board requested a formal timeline and presentation from the county manager and the project architect at the next board meeting. Board member Ashley (first name used in the meeting) suggested placing a project update on the October agenda; the board agreed to request a detailed presentation from the architect and county manager so the community can understand sequencing, risks, and expected durations.

Why it matters: Major capital projects affect school operations, athletics, classroom space and community expectations. The Blue Ridge package is the largest single school allocation discussed (the superintendent stated a $15 million allocation for Blue Ridge), and phasing choices determine which schools see construction activity and when.

Ending: The board asked administration to coordinate with the county manager and architect to present a clear timeline and project status at the next meeting.