Maynardville, TN (WOKI / WVLT) – Construction is progressing on the new Horace Maynard Middle School in Union County, bringing the long-awaited project closer to opening for students and staff.
The new facility will replace the current middle school and provide expanded classroom space, enhanced security measures, upgraded traffic flow and additional academic opportunities for students.
Parent Tori Orrick said the project has been years in the making.
“They’ve been talking about building one for a long time,” Orrick said. “So, it’s great to see that finally coming to life, that dream.”
Largest School Built in Union County in Nearly 30 Years
At 125,000 square feet, the new Horace Maynard Middle School is the largest school constructed in Union County since Union County High School opened in 1997.
It is also the first new school built in the county since an elementary school opened in 2011.
Director of Schools Greg Clay said the facility was designed with future growth in mind.
“It’s massive compared to most,” Clay said.
The school currently serves about 600 students but has room for at least 850. The new gymnasium seats approximately 800 people, nearly doubling the capacity available at the existing school.
New Academic and Career Programs
District leaders say one of the biggest advantages of the new campus is the ability to expand academic offerings beyond traditional middle school coursework.
Along with core subjects, students will have greater access to STEM and Career and Technical Education programs.
“We’re excited about all the things we can do for STEM and CTE that we’re doing here,” Clay said.
New opportunities include:
- Agricultural Science
- Health Science
- Teaching as a Profession
- Woodworking
- STEM-focused learning programs
Students will also have opportunities to earn high school credits while still in middle school.
According to Clay, roughly 60 to 70 percent of eighth graders already enter high school with at least one credit completed. Some students earn as many as three or four credits before beginning ninth grade.
Improved Safety Features
Safety improvements were a major focus during the design process.
Clay said the existing building contains numerous blind spots and difficult-to-monitor areas. The new school features a more open layout designed to improve supervision and student safety.
“One of the biggest things is it’s the safety of the building,” Clay said. “The other building has a lot of nooks and crannies and corners. This one is a pretty good flow to it.”
Among the new security upgrades is a secure vestibule at the main entrance, providing an additional layer of protection for students, staff and visitors.
Hallways have also been designed to simplify student movement throughout the building, reducing travel times between classes.
Parent Tori Orrick said improved safety is among the most important benefits of the project.
Easier Drop-Off and Pickup
The new school is also expected to ease traffic congestion during arrival and dismissal times.
Under the new design, parent vehicles will enter through the rear of the campus, loop through designated drop-off areas and exit directly onto Highway 33.
The change is expected to reduce congestion along Main Street, where the current middle school, elementary school and high school all contribute to heavy traffic.
Athletic Facilities Consolidated on Campus
Another significant improvement is the inclusion of athletic facilities on the school property.
The campus includes:
- Football field
- Baseball field
- Softball field
- Athletic support areas
Currently, some athletic programs must travel to different locations for practices and home games.
“It’s all right here together, like the high school is,” Clay said. “It’s set up like a high school.”
Opening Expected Before School Starts
Construction was originally expected to be complete earlier in the summer, but weather conditions and material supply delays pushed back the timeline.
Teachers are scheduled to begin moving classroom materials into the new building later this month. Because all furnishings are new, staff members will primarily be moving curriculum resources and instructional supplies.
Union County students are scheduled to return to school during the second week of August using a staggered start schedule.
Clay said he expects the building to be ready by then. If additional delays occur, students will temporarily begin classes at the old middle school before transitioning to the new facility.
“If not, we might be a week or two delayed, but I don’t see that as a big issue,” Clay said.
Orrick said she hopes the new school becomes a source of pride for the community and encourages greater family involvement.
“I’m hoping that it will bring more family involvement,” Orrick said. “I think they’ll want to see the new and be a part of it.”
