BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — A new chapter in Martin County’s educational history is on the horizon as Inez and Warfield elementary schools will consolidate into a single institution known as Martin County Elementary School.

At last week’s Martin County Board of Education meeting, the members unanimously approved the name of the new school.

Board member Kathleen Price of District 5 proposed the name, a motion that quickly found support from Mickey McCoy of District 1.

With the transition, the schools will retire the Indian and Red Devil mascots, longtime symbols of Inez and Warfield schools. That is in favor of the Cardinal—a mascot often referred to as “Big Red” and already synonymous with Martin County middle and high schools.

“I think eventually we’ll all become Martin County Cardinals,” said Schools Superintendent Larry James. “I like that idea of being a Martin County Cardinal from preschool all the way up.”

The new elementary school will be constructed on a 148.5-acre site adjacent to Martin County High School, a location that leaders say will foster continuity for students as they move through the school system.

The future 52,561-square-foot facility will accommodate 400 students, including four additional preschool classrooms to expand early education opportunities.

James estimates that planning and construction could take three to four years, with the first year dedicated to design and logistics. Importantly, the project will not require a tax increase. The state has committed $29.5 million toward the $30 million cost, leaving the district responsible for only $500,000.

“The district puts in $500,000 and gets $29.5 million for a new school,” James said. “That’s a great deal, and we won’t raise taxes.”

The move echoes the 1972 consolidation of Warfield and Inez high schools, which led to the creation of Sheldon Clark High School and the Cardinal mascot. That transition provided students with a newer, modern facility, more educational opportunities, stronger athletic programs and a unified community identity.

“Sheldon Clark brought Warfield and Inez together,” James said after the meeting. “And now this new elementary school will do the same for the younger generation.”

While the Warfield Red Devil and the Inez Indian will retire, the Cardinal will soar in their place as a symbol of unity and progress.