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The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction released on September 21, 2022  that $300 million would be awarded in the coming year to nine school districts for the Needs Based School Construction grants. According to a joint press release from the Hyde County Schools and the County of Hyde, $8.3 million was awarded to Hyde County Schools.

The Needs Based Public School Capital Fund was established to assist counties with their critical public school building capital needs. Grants from the NBPSCF are funded with revenue from the NC Education Lottery. Grant funds are available to eligible counties for construction of new school buildings and additions, repairs and renovations of existing school facilities.

The Needs Based Public School Capital Fund grants are applied for and awarded jointly through collaboration with the county commissioners and the Board of Education. The vision for these funds is to expand the Career and Technical Education Program capabilities by creating the Hyde County Industrial Arts Center, which will house a diesel shop, welding shop and agricultural shop, as well as a carpentry and maintenance area. The funds will also be used to replace a roof on the elementary building, work on the athletic facilities and upgrade HVAC and ensure energy efficiency through lighting and window upgrades.

Hyde’s county manager Kris Cahoon Noble stated: “Renovations and additions to the Mattamuskeet School will not only restore the facility but add a new chapter to the story of the campus. The Mattamuskeet School campus has grown and evolved for most of our lives as it will continue to do, with each new renovation telling a story of change and growth for our young people. The Hyde County Board of Commissioners are excited to be a part of this new chapter in improving a place so dear to the hearts of so many on Hyde County’s mainland.”

Mattamuskeet School is located on 44 acres on Highway 264 and consists of buildings from the 1960s with the most recent addition being 2011. Dr. Melanie Shaver, superintendent of Hyde County Schools states, “We are so thankful to NCDPI, NC General Assembly, and Superintendent Truitt for these funds to ensure that our facilities are up-to-date, in good repair, and a source of pride for our students, staff, and community. It was wonderful to partner with the Hyde County Board of Commissioners and County Manager to provide the best for our community and students. High-quality facilities support the engaging learning that staff seek to provide at Mattamuskeet School.”

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