Cumberland County, school board weigh new sites for Fayetteville's E.E. Smith High School

Cooper was in Fayetteville as part of “The Year of Public Schools” education tour. He stopped by Smith, Cumberland County's premier STEM high school.

The historically Black school has outgrown its location on Seabrook Road. Now there is debate over whether the new high school should be built on Fort Liberty. The targeted location on Fort Liberty would be near Stryker Golf Course.

While some Smith students learn to fly drones and become pilots, the county commissioners and board of education have to decide where the new school will be located.

Cooper enjoyed his time piloting drones and operating an airplane simulator during a tour of the school. He spoke to the importance of STEM-focused schools and the opportunities they provide.

"We spend a lot of time working to get children ready for post-secondary education but now we've come to understand that a lot of students can make more money right out of high school than they can with a four-year bachelor of arts degree at a college," Cooper said.

Several groups will have a say in the new location. The school district said they're looking at different options.

Military leaders at Fort Liberty Support the plan to build the school there. But some say building the school on federal land jeopardizes the county's ability to take advantage of the economic engine building a new school generates.

Ultimately, it's up to Cumberland County Commissioners to decide.

"The decision will be a tough one and I want to listen to the board of education because they're the people who run our education system in this county," said Cumberland County Commissioner Marshall Faircloth. "But when it comes to spending taxpayer's dollars, I want to make sure we get the best bang for our buck."