RANDOLPH COUNTY, N.C. — Homes are going up all over Randolph County, from Trinity to Randleman.
Randolph County Commission Chairman Darrell Frye said 3,500 homes are under construction or recently built.
"Randolph has a quieter lifestyle. We have good schools. We're a good safe county," Frye said. "We have a good tax rate comparatively speaking. It's attracting a lot of folks here."
Toyota's new battery plant and the recent news about a Ross distribution center translate to thousands of new jobs. Frye said studies show all the attraction could mean a population growth of nearly 100,000 people in the southern part of the Triad.
"I think that probably includes some growth in our neighboring counties also," Frye said. "Guilford, Alamance and the area."
Randolph County Schools is trying to get ahead of the influx of people. Leaders presented a growth plan to county commissioners Monday night.
The plan includes tearing down Braxton Craven Middle School.
The school hasn't been used since Trinity Middle opened three years ago.
The school district also requested a study on the shift In population and county commissioners approved it.
"And as expenses come in we'll put more revenue in to continue it," Frye said. "This includes the construction of two new schools."
The school district wants to build a high school in Randleman and an elementary school in Liberty. It would still need approval.
"The Randleman area has needed some expansion for some time they are growing in that area. We just announced a project there last week," Frye said. "Soon as they find property we'll build a high school there. The liberty site was being discussed before Toyota came."
The growth plan also includes renovations at Eastern and Southwestern Randolph High Schools and Trinity High School.
With Ross bringing nearly 900 jobs and progress with the Toyota plant, Frye said expanding the school system will benefit the county.