The Fayetteville School Board declined to purchase 10.5 acres of land northeast of the proposed Ramay Junior High School site during its meeting Thursday night, after more than 40 minutes of discussion.
The board was presented with an offer for the parcel, which sits east of College Avenue near Poplar Street, but determined that the costs and complications of acquiring the land outweighed potential benefits. No motion to buy the property was made.
The decision comes as the district moves forward with plans to build a new junior high school in the same area. In April, the Fayetteville Planning Commission approved the development plan for the school. That plan was later challenged by a resident appeal, which the Fayetteville City Council rejected earlier this month.
The undeveloped tract under discussion is adjacent to the approved construction zone and could have provided additional space for future expansion, parking, or athletics. However, several board members raised concerns over access, topography, and the added expense of the purchase.
“It’s not essential to what we’re trying to accomplish right now,” said one board member during the discussion, which was not recorded.
The value of the land was not disclosed publicly. Fayetteville Public Schools has not responded to requests for comment on the purchase offer or its potential impact on the timeline or scope of the Ramay project.
Next steps for Ramay Junior High
The new junior high school is part of the district’s long-range facilities plan, aimed at addressing enrollment growth and aging infrastructure. The existing Ramay building, located on the same campus as Fayetteville High School, opened in 1964 and serves students in grades 6–8.
The proposed replacement school would house grades 7 and 8, with a separate wing for grade 6 to allow for more targeted instruction. District officials have said the new facility will include updated safety features, science labs, and space for fine arts and athletics.
The total project cost is estimated at $48 million. Funding is expected to come from a combination of bond proceeds and state aid. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, with an anticipated opening in 2029.
The site plan has faced some public scrutiny. At a public hearing in April, a handful of residents raised concerns about traffic, noise, and the loss of green space. The Fayetteville Planning Commission approved the plan with conditions, including additional landscaping and stormwater management features.
The City Council’s recent denial of a resident appeal means the project can now proceed without further municipal delays.
Community impact
The proposed school sits in a rapidly developing part of Fayetteville, near the intersection of College Avenue and Poplar Street. The area includes a mix of residential neighborhoods, including newer subdivisions, and older single-family homes.
Some residents have expressed concerns about the effect of increased traffic and construction on local streets. Others have questioned whether the district has adequately considered long-term needs, including future land use and access points.
The decision not to purchase the additional 10.5-acre parcel may limit future expansion options, though district officials have said they believe the current site can meet projected needs through at least 2040.
Thursday’s vote does not foreclose the possibility of acquiring the land at a later date, should circumstances change or additional funding become available.
For now, the focus remains on moving the project forward. The district is expected to issue a request for proposals from architects later this year.
Source: Fayetteville Flyer
