Carrboro’s first high school set to open

Carrboro High School Principal Jeff Thomas checks out one of the custom Jaguar clocks. Photo by Jock Lauterer

By Susan Dickson and Kirk Ross
Staff Writers

The much-anticipated opening of Carrboro High School has finally arrived, and on Monday more than 600 students will become Carrboro’s first high school’s student body.

The school officially opens its doors tonight (Thursday) at 6 p.m. for a ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony. On Friday, the football team takes the field for the first home game for any Jaguar team. Classes start Monday.

Things might be a little tighter at the school than anticipated, since 608 students were signed up to attend the school last week, while school officials had initially predicted 563 Carrboro High students.

Principal Jeff Thomas said the last week has been a challenge.

“We’re bigger than we thought we were going to be,” he said, adding that administrators and teachers are trying to work through scheduling for the last round of freshmen to make sure classes aren’t too packed due to the additions.

Neil Pedersen, superintendent of Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools, said there’s always a hitch or two in opening a new school, but that he expects Carrboro High to be able to roll with the changes.

“It’s been a long process from start to finish,” Pedersen said. “In general, in terms of the staff and facility, we’re about where we need to be.”

Daniel Machtar, Carrboro High’s student government co-president, said students he’s talked to are excited about school starting — something not all that typical. “It’s kind of amazing to see the morale of the students so high. I wish I knew how the school year will go,” he said. “But right now, I have no idea.”

School officials had expressed concern regarding Carrboro High receiving its final certificate of occupancy, which would allow students to enter the school. The construction of a stoplight for the turning lane at the entrance to the school at the corner of Smith Level and Rock Haven roads had delayed the issuance of the certificate.

However, the school received the go-ahead from the town of Carrboro Monday, and students can now visit their new school.

In addition to the dedication ceremony, there will be a number of clubs and school groups on hand at the school’s commons to meet students and parents. Students will be able to sign up for clubs and special programs and athletic boosters will be taking orders for Jaguar spiritware.