When Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina in September, the $42 million plan for a new school in eastern Burke County was put on hold. Originally targeting a parcel of land in Connelly Springs, the school officials are now considering purchasing two parcels in Hildebran instead. 

In 2024, the Burke County Board of Education committed to constructing a new elementary school in the Icard and Hildebran communities, thanks to a $42 million needs-based capital funds grant awarded in February by the Department of Public Instruction.