Johnston County leaders approve plans for Clayton High School renovation

Smithfield, NC, USA — Plans are moving forward for major renovations to Clayton High School.

During Tuesday's Special Session meeting of the Johnston County Board of Education, leaders voted to approve plans for a project that will create a new 278,000 square-foot facility. The space will house about 2,000 students from grades 9-12 with a three-story academic wing and a two-story arts and athletics wing.

“This is more than a building, it is a commitment to the future of our students and our community. The new Clayton High School will reflect the academic excellence, pride, and unity that have always defined the Comet spirit," said Dr. David Pearce, the Superintendent of Johnston County Public Schools. "It’s a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together around a shared vision for its children.”

The new building will be equipped with 99 total teaching spaces, 19 CTE (career & technical education) classes/labs, 13 science labs, a main and auxiliary gym, athletic fields and facilities, and an extraordinary auditorium with a seating capacity of 762. Additional safety and security measures will be added so all students are under one single roof for daily instruction.

The Johnston County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday will consider a presentation and funding request from the Board of Education. Commissioners are is expected to vote on the project’s funding during that meeting, with final approval to follow from the Local Government Commission, a state level body that reviews and approves local goveronment spending like bond projects. 

The total project cost is $134,381,316. The request to the Johnston County Board of Commissioners is to fund the remaining cost of $129,381,316.

The Clayton High School rebuilding project will be the third new school building contructed in four years. Officials have said that the new schools are needed as the Clayton population is steadily increasing, meaning more students enrolled within the district/

Construction on the project will be broken into two phases so students can stay on-campus. Phase one is set to start in December and be completed by late 2027. The second phase, which will include the demolition of the existing building, is expected to begin in January 2028 and be completed in August 2028.