On Monday, September 22, 2025, the Surry County Schools Board of Education held a public hearing in the Meadowview Magnet Middle School gymnasium to gather community feedback on the potential consolidation of Gentry Middle School and Meadowview Magnet Middle School. The Board emphasized that no decision had been made and that the purpose of the hearing was to hear from citizens and staff, share key findings from the feasibility study, and answer questions about the process.
The complete feasibility presentation was shared with the Board of Education earlier this month at the regular monthly meeting. For the public hearing, a condensed version was presented to highlight the most essential information, ensuring sufficient time was available for everyone who signed up to speak. Citizens and staff attending the hearing shared their thoughts and concerns, contributing valuable feedback that the Board will consider in its decision-making process. At the conclusion of the discussion, all Board members shared their thoughts and agreed that mobile units would not be considered if the consolidation were to move forward.
The feasibility study examined facility conditions, enrollment projections, financial considerations, and academic programming. Gentry Middle School, built in 1976, received a facility score of 49, indicating numerous structural needs, with estimated renovation costs of $36 million and replacement costs exceeding $42 million. Meadowview Magnet Middle, by comparison, received a score of 81, reflecting a newer building with fewer needs. District-wide, enrollment has declined by more than 1,600 students over the past 20 years, and projections indicate a continued decline through the 2032-33 academic year.
Financially, consolidation could reduce operational costs by an estimated $767,000 annually, including $177,000 in facility and maintenance savings, $513,000 in staffing efficiencies, and $77,000 in student nutrition. Consolidation would also avoid or delay significant capital costs at Gentry while reallocating resources to other facility needs. Transportation savings may also be realized, as the current magnet program shuttles cost approximately $65,000 annually.
From an instructional standpoint, consolidation could expand opportunities for students by increasing access to encore courses and lowering average class sizes. The study also noted the potential for high school course offerings to be expanded across all Surry County middle schools, providing students with additional opportunities for advanced coursework before entering high school. At the same time, the feasibility committee identified several challenges that would require careful planning, including strategic scheduling to ensure balance and appropriate class sizes, transitioning the existing Science Institute, and determining how the expansion of high school courses would work in practice. Additional support would also be needed for teachers with licensure, as well as other potential scheduling adjustments.
If consolidation were approved, permanent construction would be required at Meadowview before students could be relocated. Plans could include six additional classrooms, a weight room, and expansions to the cafeteria and kitchen, with estimated costs ranging from $3.8 million to $5.4 million and a target completion date of August 2027.
Next steps include reviewing the results of a North Carolina Department of Transportation traffic study on McKinney Road, studying updated construction cost projections, and continuing to gather input from families, staff, and the community. The Board of Education will carefully weigh the committee’s findings alongside the feedback received before making any decisions about the future of Gentry Middle and Meadowview Magnet Middle.
To view the committee findings, click here.