Officials break ground on new FHS
Ground was broken on the long-awaited Franklin High School project. Hannah McLeod photo
Construction on the first phase of the new Franklin High School is officially underway after years of advocating and planning by large swaths of the community.
“Today we honor our legacy as we look into the future,” said Superintendent Josh Lynch. “We are preparing the next generation of leaders, thinkers and innovators.”
On Friday morning, Oct. 18, more than 100 people gathered in the Panther Pit to mark the historic day. Sen. Kevin Corbin (R-Macon) and Rep. Karl Gillespie (R-Macon) were both present for the occasion, as well as representatives from the county, Town of Franklin and Town of Highlands.
“We’re the caretakers of today, we’re the guardians of tomorrow,” said Corbin. “There are going to be new traditions built here, new memories made by people we don’t even know yet.”
While the project has been more than a decade in the making, planning for this iteration of the high school began back in 2021. Some commissioners had been hesitant about the project after seeing a full price tag over $100 million, but after the county received $62 million from the Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund, the county is left to finance just $75 million of the total cost.
“I’m really glad that we had the opportunity to ask the state of North Carolina for some help,” said Corbin. “We’ve got 62 million good reasons to move ahead with this project, and we’re thankful to our fellow legislators and the Department of Public Instruction for listening to our cries for funds.”
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In addition to local dignitaries, several current and former students of Franklin High School had prepared remarks for the event.
“I have worked so very hard to make this school happen, and I look forward to the day when all students can access all parts of our high school, including students with disabilities,” said FHS graduate and advocate for students with disabilities, Patrick Faetz.
The project will take place in two phases, the first of which will involve athletic facilities. The first class is expected to graduate from the new school in 2028.
“For over 75 years Franklin High School has stood as a beacon in the heart of our town,” said Addix Sutton, representing the junior class. “It’s more than just a place for education, it’s been a cornerstone of our identity shaping both our community and our culture. It’s influence runs deep.”
