Onslow County commissioners approve new Holly Ridge elementary school

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HOLLY RIDGE, N.C. (WITN) - Onslow County commissioners have approved a proposal for a new elementary school to offset overcrowding.

Yesterday, the board unanimously approved a project ordinance for a school to be built in Holly Ridge.

Back in 2021, Coastal Elementary School opened to relieve crowding at Dixon Elementary School.

Now five years later, both schools face overcrowding concerns, with each at or over capacity, according to Onslow County Schools.

A county spokesperson says an exact location for the new school has not yet been decided, but earlier this year, Holly Ridge voted to annex more than 1,000 acres of land.

WITN spoke with Holly Ridge Mayor Pete Parnian last week, who said the school will be located within the city limits.

A spokesperson says the project is estimated to cost nearly $50 million.

Onslow County Board Chairman Tim Foster said the project would not affect the tax rate.

Officials hope the school can open before the 2028 school year.