Rebuilding Eastman

On June 30, 2009, the historic Eastman School officially closed. Years later, a new chapter began when Dr. Eric Cunningham was hired as Superintendent of Halifax County Schools on July 1, 2016. Shortly after, during an August 3, 2016 Board Retreat, district leaders began to dream of rebuilding Eastman. This vision took shape over time, beginning with a more defined plan during the June 18, 2018 Board Retreat. By March 15, 2019, Moseley Architects were hired to conduct a Capital Needs Assessment and develop a District Master Plan.

In June 2019, two design workshop days were held, followed by presentations to the Board of Education in June and September. Dr. Cunningham later addressed alumni during the Eastman School Reunion in October 2019. In November, small group meetings were held with the Board of Commissioners to further align support.

Phase II of the project began with a groundbreaking ceremony for the new K-8 school on December 5, 2022. Throughout 2023 and early 2024, numerous Design-Build Committee meetings, design workshops, and community forums were held to engage stakeholders and refine plans. The district also addressed training needs, such as asbestos worker preparation in July 2023. Community engagement continued into 2024 through additional forums and updates as the design process progressed.

The funding process for rebuilding Eastman began in March 2022. During that month, both the Halifax County Board of Education and the Board of Commissioners approved the submission of a Needs-Based Grant application to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (DPI). The application was submitted on March 15, and the grant was officially awarded on April 26. A recognition ceremony followed in May, and Representative Michael Wray presented the grant check in August 2022.

To move forward with construction, the district issued a formal Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a Design-Build team in September 2022. A team was selected in October.

With funding secured, the project celebrated its official start with a groundbreaking ceremony in December 2022, bringing together community members, leaders, staff, and students to mark this historic milestone.

In early 2024, Halifax County Schools requested and received additional funding support. On February 20, 2024, the Halifax County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a supplemental Needs-Based Grant. The district officially received the supplemental funding on March 19, 2024—strengthening the financial foundation of the long-envisioned Eastman project.

This initial phase involved clearing the construction site by removing existing structures, debris, and any other obstructions. It ensured a safe, clean, and stable environment for the new build. During demolition, crews took special care to preserve any historical materials—such as bricks from the original Eastman School—that will be repurposed in the new design.

The underground stage and foundation is now complete, marking one of the most critical steps in preparing the site.  During this phase, crews focused on what lies beneath the surface—installing essential utilities such as water, sewer, and electrical lines. Once this groundwork was in place, the foundation was poured to provide the strength and stability that will support the school for generations to come.

As part of the Junior Contractors Program, 5th graders visited the site for a special field trip. Students took part in a STEM challenge, giving them hands-on experience with the concepts of engineering, design, and problem-solving that shape projects like this one.

The completion of the underground stage ensured both the safety and longevity of the building, while also creating a meaningful opportunity for students to connect classroom learning with real-world applications.

The vertical stage is now complete, officially kicked off with a topping-out ceremony.

This stage marked the moment when the school truly began to rise above ground, moving from the foundation to the visible framework of the building.

Classrooms, corridors, and common areas began to take shape, providing the first real sense of how the building will function once complete.

With the building’s framework now standing tall, the project moves forward with momentum toward the finishes phase. 

The finishes phase adds function and beauty to the building. It includes the installation of interior walls, ceilings, flooring, lighting, cabinetry, fixtures, and final coat paint. This is also when classrooms are outfitted with technology, furniture, and instructional equipment. The school begins to look and feel ready for students and staff.

The final touch to the construction process, landscaping enhances the school’s exterior environment. This includes planting trees, laying sod, installing walkways, and building outdoor learning or recreational spaces. It ensures the school is not only functional but welcoming and reflective of community pride.