North Country Union High School and North Country Career Center are working together with the community to plan for the future of our facilities and we want you to be a part of it!

North Country Union High School has been a cornerstone of our community for nearly 60 years. Since opening in 1967, the school has served generations of students and families while also functioning as a gathering place for athletics, arts performances, career and technical education, and community events. 

As we look ahead, our responsibility is to ensure the school continues to serve students and community members safely and effectively for many years to come.

Like many school facilities built in the 1960s, NCUHS is approaching the end of its useful life. A 2022 Vermont Agency of Education report determined that approximately 94 percent of the building’s expected lifespan has been expended. Many major systems—including heating and cooling infrastructure, windows, electrical systems, and fire protection systems—are original to the building or beyond their expected lifespan. These challenges are becoming increasingly difficult and costly to manage through routine maintenance alone.

In recent years, additional issues have further highlighted the need to examine long-term solutions. These include aging infrastructure, the need to address asbestos in some areas of the building, and PCB contamination associated with materials used in the building’s original construction. While these issues are being managed carefully, they underscore the importance of thoughtful planning for the future of the facility.

The North Country Supervisory Union, in partnership with leaders at North Country Union High School and the North Country Career Center, has begun a comprehensive process to evaluate the school’s facility needs and explore potential solutions. This work includes a Building Committee, which is reviewing the building’s challenges, considering possible options, and helping guide the next steps.

Community engagement will be a critical part of this process. As options are explored, the district will continue sharing information and seeking input from residents, families, staff, and local partners. The goal is to work together to identify a responsible, long-term solution that supports safe learning environments and meets the needs of students and the broader community.