Begin with the end in mind
A NOTE FROM SCHOOL
TRACY GRIT
One of my favorite authors, Stephen Covey, wrote extensively on leadership, and in his book, "The 7 Habits of Highly Eff ective People," he emphasizes the importance of "beginning with the end in mind." Some call it backward design; others simply call it a plan. Either way, a plan without intention or a clear goal is nothing more than a dream. That belief is why Covey's message resonates so strongly with me and why it continues to guide our work in McDowell County Schools.
In November, McDowell County Schools received a $42 million Needs-Based Capital Lottery Grant from the state of North Carolina to construct a new elementary school. This award was made possible through years of careful planning by our administrative team and the Board of Education. Now that we have this opportunity in hand, we are committed to taking the time necessary to plan and build a school that will serve our students and community well for the next 40–50 years.
Work of this magnitude requires meaningful involvement from all stakeholders. The project timeline introduced at the March meeting of the McDowell County Board of Education will guide us from planning to action and ultimately to opening day in fall 2029, when we welcome our first students into a brand-new school.
At this stage, the school exists only as a vision. It does not yet have a name, mascot, colors or a finalized design. Over the next two years, we will refine our plans, develop programs, and watch that vision steadily become reality.
The first of many planning meetings was held last week with architects, engineers, board members and our auxiliary services team. Together, we reviewed initial plans and discussed the state-of-the-art technology, kitchen, cafeteria and equipment we hope to include in the facility.
This week, we will spend a full day with administrators, school improvement team members, board members, architects and district leadership reviewing safety features and site design, including car rider flow, bus lanes and playground areas. In a final planning session, teacher leaders and specialty-area educators will join architects, board members and district leaders to focus on collaborative learning spaces, classrooms and flexible areas that can support both instruction and school events.
Once the design is finalized, we will move into the construction phase. At the same time, we will work closely with Eastfield Global Magnet School and Marion Elementary School to form teams to help guide the transition and merger of the school communities. During this process, we will name the new school, select a mascot, choose school colors, and establish the school calendar. This work will involve not only staff and leadership teams, but also our students and families.
In the final phase before opening, these teams will host joint parent meetings, information sessions, and student activities designed to bring the new school community together. We are excited about the work ahead and confident that our plans are positioning us for success.
As we begin this journey, we remain mindful of the dedication that brought us to this point and are deeply appreciative of the support from the McDowell County Board of Commissioners, our Board of Education, and our legislative partners who stood with us to make this opportunity possible.
And as we look ahead, Covey's principle remains a steady guide. When we are clear about where we want to go, each step forward carries purpose. By beginning with the end in mind, we ensure that today's planning becomes tomorrow's reality for the students and families we serve.
Tracy Grit is the superintendent of McDowell County Schools.
