Johnston County Board of Education Approves Plans for Clayton High School Rebuild

During its October 28, 2025, Special Session meeting, the Johnston County Board of Education voted to approve the plans for the highly anticipated Clayton High School rebuild, which is a project that marks a new era for education in Clayton and surrounding communities.

The new 278,000-square-foot facility will serve as a cornerstone for 21st-century learning, designed with a focus on safety and security, state-of-the-art learning environments, athletic and fine arts spaces, and innovative technology and learning labs. While the design embraces modern educational needs, it also preserves elements of the school’s historic culture that have defined generations of Clayton Comets.

The new school will accommodate 2,000 students in grades 9–12 and feature a three-story academic wing alongside a two-story arts and athletics wing. Its open-concept design will promote flexible, collaborative learning spaces that foster creativity, innovation, and teamwork. The building itself is expected to be completed by December 2027, with the entire campus slated for full completion in Fall 2028.

“This is more than a building, it is a commitment to the future of our students and our community,” said Dr. David Pearce, Superintendent of Johnston County Public Schools. “The new Clayton High School will reflect the academic excellence, pride, and unity that have always defined the Comet spirit. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together around a shared vision for its children.” 

The new building is designed with educational achievement in mind and will provide environments for academic success. Students will engage in learning in a variety of locations, including 99 total teaching spaces, 19 CTE classes/labs, 13 Science Labs, a main and auxiliary gym, athletic fields and facilities, an extraordinary auditorium with a seating capacity of 762, and more, providing the facility that Clayton area families will be proud of for many years to come.

Safety and security were also at the forefront of the decision-making process, and the new design provides a building where all students are under one single roof for daily instruction. The new building will have a splash of flair, boasting Terrazzo throughout the main corridors and cafeteria spaces, and dynamic, aesthetically pleasing color patterns throughout the building. 

Board of Education Chair Lyn Andrews echoed those sentiments, adding, “This project embodies our collective goal to create safe, engaging, and forward-thinking spaces where every student can thrive. The rebuild of Clayton High School represents both our deep respect for the past and our determination to prepare our students for the future.”

The new school will be instrumental in many ways, one of the most significant being that it will provide more learning spaces in the Clayton area, where the population is steadily increasing. Recently, the school district has experienced record-breaking growth, which has created unique opportunities for the district to expand and build new facilities. The Clayton High School rebuild will be another monumental success for Johnston County, as it will help meet population demands. It will be the third new school building built in four years, showcasing the collaborative efforts of stakeholders, governing boards, and the community. 

The two-phased project will afford students the opportunity to continue their education on campus while the new building is being constructed, as is expected to begin in December of 2025. The first phase is expected to be completed by late 2027. The second phase, which will include the demolition of the existing building, is expected to begin in January of 2028 and be completed in August of 2028. The total project cost is $134,381,316. The request to the Johnston County Board of Commissioners is to fund the remaining cost of $129,381,316. 

The next step in the process will take place on October 29, 2025, when the Johnston County Board of Commissioners considers the presentation and funding request from the Johnston County Board of Education. The Board of Commissioners is expected to vote on the project’s funding during that meeting, with final approval to follow from the Local Government Commission.

The Johnston County Board of Education openly expressed its gratitude for the continued support of the community, as well as the visionary leadership and partnership of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners. 

“This moment is a celebration of progress, partnership, and purpose,” Dr. Pearce added. “Together, brick by brick, we are building the foundation for decades of educational excellence to come.”

With approval, Johnston County Public Schools will begin the two-phased construction project in December 2025
 

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The aerial rendering of the new Clayton High School displays the entire campus, including the main academic school building, athletic facilities, parking spaces, and more.


The front entrance of the new Clayton High School provides a welcoming facade, full of natural light and vibrant spaces. 


The cafeteria space of the new Clayton High School will provide an open space for the student population to convene for meals and other social gatherings.


The rendering showcases the rear entrance of the building, which continues the aesthetic layout showcased throughout the building.


The new Clayton High School’s auditorium features a state-of-the-art design and high-tech audiovisual technology.


Bright and colorful halls are a common theme in the new Clayton High School.