Students in Perquimans County began the school year in a brand‑new facility constructed with the assistance of $40 million in lottery‑funded grants for school construction.
## Community Response
“I’ve never hit the lottery, but it feels like I hit the lottery,” said Laura Moreland, director of alternative learning & student engagement. “I mean, when you have a chance in a community like this, to build something of this size.”
## Consolidated Campus
The new Perquimans Intermediate School in Hertford unites two previously separate schools under one roof, replacing Hertford Grammar School and Perquimans Middle School for grades 3‑8.
## Design Priorities
Both the elementary and middle‑school wings were deliberately designed to promote efficiency, security, and unity. This campus is one of ten new school buildings statewide slated to open in 2026 through lottery‑funded grants administered by the Needs‑Based Public School Capital Fund.
## Educator Appreciation
“We would have never had this opportunity otherwise, so we are truly grateful,” remarked Heather Dail, the 2026 Regional Teacher of the Year. As a STEM instructor, Dail expressed enthusiasm for the upgraded technology available in the new facility.
## Opening Events
Perquimans County Schools inaugurated the 2026‑27 academic year in August with a ribbon‑cutting ceremony, followed by an open house that allowed students and families to explore the new building for the first time. The ceremony was captured on video and is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example‑video‑id
## Lottery Funding Legacy
Over the past two decades, the lottery has contributed more than $53 million to support education in Perquimans County.
In summary, educators, students, and community members alike recognize the profound impact of lottery‑derived funding on the region’s educational infrastructure. The new Perquimans Intermediate School stands as a testament to collaborative investment, offering modern facilities that will serve generations of learners.
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