School Board Breaks Ground On New Clayton High

The 278,000-square-foot facility will serve as a cornerstone for 21st-century learning, designed with a focus on safety, state-of-the-art learning environments, and innovative technology.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Construction on the new Clayton High School has officially begun as the first foundations have been poured. The Johnston County Board of Education hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on February 19 to mark the start of construction of the school's rebuild. The new 278,000-square-foot facility will serve as a cornerstone for 21st-century learning, designed with a focus on safety, state-of-the-art learning environments, athletic and fine arts spaces, and innovative technology and learning labs.

Why it matters

The rebuild of Clayton High School represents a significant investment in the students and community of Clayton. The new facility will provide a modern, innovative learning environment designed to bolster academic excellence and support the growth and success of every student who attends.

The details

The new Clayton High School will feature a three-story academic wing alongside a two-story arts and athletics wing, with accommodations for 2,000 students in grades 9-12. The open-concept design will promote flexible, collaborative learning spaces that foster creativity, innovation, and teamwork. The building will include 99 total teaching spaces, 19 Career and Technical Education classes/labs, 13 science labs, a main and auxiliary gym, athletic fields and facilities, and an extraordinary auditorium with a seating capacity of 762.

  • Construction on the new Clayton High School began in February 2026 with the pouring of the first foundations.
  • The building itself is expected to be completed by December 2027, with the entire campus slated for full completion in Fall 2028.

The players

Dr. David Pearce

Superintendent of Johnston County Public Schools.

Melissa Hubbard

Principal of Clayton High School and alumna.

Gates Hale

Clayton High Senior Class President and 2025-2026 JCPS Superintendent Student Leader Cohort member.

Butch Lawter

Vice-Chair of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners.

Johnston County Board of Education

The governing body that oversees Johnston County Public Schools.

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What they’re saying

“The rebuild of Clayton High School is a monumental investment in our students and our community. This new facility will provide a modern, innovative learning environment designed to bolster academic excellence and support the growth and success of every student who walks through its doors. It represents a significant step forward in our continued pursuit of excellence across Johnston County Public Schools.”

— Dr. David Pearce, Superintendent of Johnston County Public Schools (jocoreport.com)

“It is a legacy, it is history, it is generation after generation who want their children to walk these same halls. Clayton High is the heart of our town. A place where generations have gathered, grown, celebrated, and persevered together. As we say goodbye to a structure rich with stories, we do so with gratitude and respect.”

— Melissa Hubbard, Principal of Clayton High School and alumna (jocoreport.com)

“This moment is so meaningful because it reminds us that a school isn't just bricks and walls, it's the people inside. It's the spirit, the pride, and the community, and that doesn't disappear when the building does.”

— Gates Hale, Clayton High Senior Class President and 2025-2026 JCPS Superintendent Student Leader Cohort member (jocoreport.com)

“We invest in buildings, but the most important thing we invest in is our people. We're investing in our future workforce. As we move forward, I think of all the memories that will be created here for generations and generations, and for that I am proud to be a tiny part of the process.”

— Butch Lawter, Vice-Chair of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners (jocoreport.com)

What’s next

The building itself is expected to be completed by December 2027, with the entire campus slated for full completion in Fall 2028.

The takeaway

The rebuild of Clayton High School represents a significant investment in the students and community of Clayton, providing a modern, innovative learning environment designed to bolster academic excellence and support the growth and success of every student who attends. The new facility will serve as a cornerstone for 21st-century learning, preserving the rich history and community spirit that has defined generations of Clayton Comets.