By Karl Cameron
Special To The Carolinian (More Photo's Available on Facebook and Instagram)
The J.W. Ligon Middle School Building Listening Session held Monday, Nov. 24th at the Southeast Raleigh YMCA on Rock Quarry Road in Raleigh, left attendees with more questions about what would the fate of the building be. District 4 Representative Toshiba Rice laid out the agenda for the evening, asking for one representative from the tables throughout the room to give their observations about J. W. Ligon Senior/Junior High School. This was followed by a historical overview presented by Community Historian Carmen Cauthen, and an explanation of the issues by J.W. Ligon Middle School Principal Dr. Darren Williams.
Dr. Williams went through a laundry list of issues that the current facility has including; the property is undersized by 7-acres, the building is also undersized by 32,000 sq. ft., 82% of the classrooms are undersized, the gymnasium and cafeteria are undersized, safety and accessibility are an issue, the school has no security vestibule, the chair lift and elevator systems are antiquated, the stairwells are narrow, the carpool lane is undersized, there is one teacher workroom and one teachers lounge, which serves 100 staff members, ceiling leaks, Heating & Air Conditioning System challenges.
District 4 Representative Rice then began going from table to table, getting input from the community, interested persons, and J.W. Ligon Alumni in attendance. The spokesperson at one table, a Junior High parent, expressed gratefulness for the legacy of the school, citing the incredible teachers, who were trailblazers in Ligon’s history, stating “they were incredible career long educators.” Other comments from the tables that Ms. Rice visited included the excellence in sports where Ligon historically was known for through the years even though the trophy case housing those awards is now gone. Another reference was made to the fact that the speaker’s great grandmother went to the Senior High School, and this was a source of pride for her family.
At this point in the meeting local community activists began to stand and be heard. Octavia Rainey has a concern about transparency. “How many that are here tonight were involved in this process?” Daniel Coleman stated, “We don’t have enough data to address the question of whether to renovate or rebuild.”
At that time Urban Development Consultant took the floor, and stated for the record, “Ligon shouldn’t be torn down.” And furthermore that their should have been more transparency at the outset of the process. He went on to say that his job was to gather information about the process, which at this point has three possibilities; (1) To renovate and preserve the building as it is. (2) Rebuild exactly were the current building sits, or (3) To flip the site, and rebuild where the football field is currently located.
Community activist Dwight Spencer said, “This meeting deserves clarity and honesty. We need clear and straightforward answers. Furthermore, Ms. Rice, what happens next? Regular communication is needed. What is the best place to meet, not here, for others not her tonight to be involved?”
Wake County Public School Superintendent, Dr. Robert Taylor, then took the microphone, and said, “No decision has been made.” Five people on the School Board will have to agree on the fate of the Ligon Middle School Building. Dr. Taylor went on to say that there would be additional listening sessions scheduled on Jan. 8th and Jan 17, 2026. He further stated that District 4 Representative Rice was not in a position to answer specific questions about the building, and that was the staff’s responsibility.
Dr. Taylor also went on to say that on Jan. 31st and February 7th or 8th 2026 that he would like to meet with J.W. Ligon Alumni of Classes of the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s to determine, “How we honor the Ligon Legacy. He further stated, “You will know when I know”, and that Listening Session information will be posted on a website. He went on to say, “I absolutely equivocally understand. As a group gets older how do we keep the legacy alive.”
Octavia Rainey questioned, “When do we look at Historic Preservation. With Crosby-Garfield School the ball was dropped. You all need to mind your own business. While we’re doing all of this talking, please put this on the list for the Ligon Building.”
J.W. Ligon Alumni President released the following statement after the Listening Session: “The Ligon Middle Magnet School is scheduled for rehab or tear down, and rebuild on the current site, or to build a new complex on the lower athletic field. Each option has a unique set of benefits and challenges, which need to be explored side by side in order to arrive at the best long term solution for students, parents, faculty, and the community, while preserving the legacy of this historic institution.”
“These considerations need to be discussed in the coming listening sessions so that reasonable people can understand, and make meaningful, and informed contributions to the process.”
“(1) Will cost estimates and timelines for each option be discussed in the coming Listening Sessions? (2) Is there a plan for temporary student assignment if needed? (3) How do we include the history and cultural significance of the school in each option? (4) Will community members be allowed, and scheduled to speak in favor of, or against an option during these Listening Sessions, if they so desire?, and (5) What criteria will be used to determine which option will prevail?”
