Dr. Jackson and a student look at a computer screen.

As part of his 45 schools in 45 days tour, Dr. Jackson met student leaders at Charles T. Koontz Intermediate School on March 8.

Located in South Asheville, Koontz Intermediate serves students in grades 5 and 6 who live in the T.C. Roberson High School District. The building, which opened in January 2012, was named after Mr. Tommy Koontz, a long-time Buncombe County Schools administrator. Koontz has a diverse community of about 650 students and has been recognized as a “Leader in Me” school for many years. In 2013, the building was recognized for an award at the Silver Level from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), and it is enhanced with an abundance of natural lighting, conservation features and rainwater collection cisterns.

“I love being the principal of Koontz Intermediate School,” said Principal Reginald Bright. “It's an honor to work in a building named after one of Buncombe County's best principals, Mr. Koontz, who still stops by and visits the school. We serve the ever-growing and diverse South Asheville student population. Our school embraces diversity and works hard to empower all students to become leaders. I'm proud to work at Koontz.”

A collage showing four scenes from Dr. Jackson's visit to Koontz Intermediate.