September 9, 2025

Savannah-Chatham County Schools Unveil Major Construction Projects

News Summary

Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools celebrated significant advancements in education facilities with the inauguration of multiple construction projects this summer. Funded through the ESPLOST program, these projects include new athletic facilities, a police department annex, and updated educational labs. The developments aim to enhance educational environments and foster community collaboration while ensuring safety for students. Additionally, a new elementary school and renovations to early learning centers reflect the district’s commitment to sustainability and modern education practices.

Savannah, Georgia – Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools (SCCPSS) marked significant advancements in education facilities this summer with ribbon-cuttings for several major construction projects. These projects, funded through the district’s Educational Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST) program, highlight the district’s commitment to enhancing educational environments for students and community members.

On August 28, 2023, a ceremony held at the Davis-Edwards-Harris Educational Complex officially inaugurated a new athletic complex and a police department annex, bringing together officials, students, law enforcement officers, and local community members. The newly constructed athletic facility is designed to host various events, including football and soccer games and track meets. It aims not only to promote physical development but also to foster school spirit among students and the community.

The new Board of Education Police Department annex is equipped with cutting-edge safety technologies and features dedicated community meeting spaces. This facility is expected to enhance campus security and facilitate stronger collaboration with local law enforcement, creating a safer learning environment for the district’s students.

Prior to this, on August 21, 2023, SCCPSS celebrated the opening of newly constructed Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) labs at the same campus. These labs focus on education pathways in Aviation Maintenance and Logistics. The event attracted local industry leaders from Gulfstream Aerospace and the Georgia Ports Authority, emphasizing the importance of community and industry partnerships in preparing students for future careers. Designed by LS3P Associates and built by Samet Corporation, the labs include industry-aligned training areas aimed at equipping students with the necessary skills for high-demand jobs.

On August 1, 2023, the community gathered to celebrate the opening of a new Bloomingdale Elementary School building, a $64 million investment. This state-of-the-art facility encompasses 64 classrooms, dedicated spaces for art and music, a broadcast studio, as well as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) laboratories. Notably, the school incorporates a solar panel system, producing 24% of its daily energy needs, further reflecting the district’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Earlier in July, on July 30, 2023, extensive renovations were completed at the Early Learning Center at Henderson E. Formey, Jr. School. The $9 million upgrade funded by ESPLOST included enhanced classrooms, new outdoor play areas, an updated media center, and a redesigned cafetorium. This center, established in 1989 and converted to its current use in 2019, aims to provide a modern and engaging learning experience for early learners.

SCCPSS adopts a data-driven approach to prioritize facility projects, assessing various factors such as conditions, enrollment trends, and anticipated future growth. Since the launch of the ESPLOST program, funding has facilitated the replacement of 22 schools along with numerous safety enhancements and technology upgrades across the district. Notably, approximately 40% of the ESPLOST revenue is sourced from visitors to Chatham County, distinguishing it from traditional property tax funding methods.

Through these initiatives, Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools continues to show its dedication to fostering comprehensive educational environments designed for student success while aligning with the needs of the community.

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Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER

SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.

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