Haywood County leaders have cleared the biggest financial hurdle for a long-discussed new high school, signing off on a USDA-backed loan of more than $78 million after a split vote that underscored just how high the local stakes are.
Commissioners approved the borrowing plan Monday night to fund a new Haywood County High School campus. Supporters say the multi-phase project will bring modern classrooms, better accessibility, and room for future growth. The decision was not unanimous, with three commissioners voting no, but the approval sets the county firmly on the path toward construction.
Commissioners approve USDA-backed financing
According to Action News 5, the commission met on May 18 in a public session and agreed to pursue a USDA loan of more than $78 million for the new school. Haywood County Commission Chairman Jeffery Richmond told those in attendance that the work would roll out in phases, adding that “Phase two would take care of the stadium, football fields, the baseball fields, and tennis courts,” as reported from the meeting.
The county held a USDA Q&A ahead of the vote
Ahead of the decision, the county released an agenda for the May 18 meeting that carved out time for residents and commissioners to question USDA representatives about how the loan would work, according to Haywood County. That public Q&A came before the vote and spelled out the items the commission planned to tackle that night.
How the financing path unfolded
The loan approval follows earlier groundwork to make a new campus possible. Back in September 2025, prior county action was aimed at clearing the way for loan applications, hiring an architect, and purchasing land, as reported by Brownsville Radio. Monday’s move effectively builds on that initial financing setup.
Why the USDA route matters
USDA Rural Development operates Community Facilities loan and loan-guarantee programs that help rural communities pay for essential public infrastructure, including schools, according to USDA Rural Development. That kind of federal backing can make big-ticket building projects possible for counties with limited local revenue, and can do so without an immediate spike in taxes.
Vote split underscores local debate
Even with the approval, the three opposing votes highlighted ongoing unease among some commissioners about taking on long-term debt and construction costs. Supporters pointed to plans for accessibility upgrades for students with disabilities and the ability to accommodate more students in the years ahead, according to Action News 5. The divide made clear that while many see the new school as overdue, not everyone is sold on the price tag.
What comes next
With the loan authorization in hand, county officials can move forward with land acquisition, site testing, and architectural contracts. Those next administrative steps are outlined in county materials and prior public notices. For now, there is no firm construction start date or finalized, line-by-line project budget, and future commission meetings are expected to feature updates on bids, costs, and timelines.
For local families, the vote represents a major milestone in a project county leaders say will reshape where and how Haywood County students learn. Residents looking to keep tabs on the details will need to watch upcoming commission agendas and school board notices as the plans move from paper to dirt and steel.
