Officials break ground on new Lithia Springs High campus | Douglasville Sentinel

Construction of Lithia Springs’ new $215 million high school is underway.

Education officials gathered at the site of the future campus Friday to break ground on the new facility. It will be paid for with revenue from the recently passed education special-purpose, local-option sales tax (ESPLOST), which residents approved with a two-thirds vote.

“As we begin construction of a new Lithia Springs High School, we are mindful that we’re replacing a facility that is full of memories,” said Superintendent Dr. Trent North

The new campus replaces the current school, which was built in 1975.

“At that time, it was the second high school in the county,” North said. “Over the years, it has launched thousands of graduates into lifetimes of career and personal successes.”

North explained the new school will include instruction space, a performing arts and new baseball and softball fields. It will be built in phases, allowing students to remain at the school.

“The number-one question I’ve been asked is, ‘Where will the kids go?’ ” he said. “Our kids will remain on-site throughout the entire construction process. It was important to the board from day one that this project minimizes the impact it’s going to have on instruction.”

School board member D.T. Jackson said the new campus will continue Lithia Springs High’s tradition of student success.

“Today, we begin building for the future to ensure that we grow greatness in every student for generations to come,” he said.

Ninth-grade student Justin Callwood spoke on behalf of the student body.

“Lithia Springs High School already is an amazing place that also supports its amazing community, teachers and, most of all, students — all of whom have helped me succeed,” he said.

The school system plans to issue $276.3 million in bonds next month for the new high school and several other construction projects to improve schools across the county, according to Chief Financial Officer Holly Timms.

Those projects include:

• A sixth high school;

• Classroom additions, an ROTC Wing and stadium and track renovations at Chapel Hill High;

• Classroom additions at South Douglas Elementary;

• A middle school football field;

• A bridge replacement at Mason Creek Middle School;

• Multiple elementary school playgrounds;

• electronic sensing equipment; and

• Police vehicles.

The new bond issue comes as the district continues its commitment to fiscal responsibility by paying off $167,478,000 in bond debt from three separate bond issues in 2013, 2014 and 2021. It also marks the end of the current ESPLOST. The $167,478,000 in bond debt is projected to be paid off in September 2026.

The 2013 and 2014 bonds refunded an earlier bond issue that covered the construction of New Manchester High School 15 years ago.

Timms said bonds are regularly used by school systems like Douglas County as an advance on ESPLOST funds that were authorized by the voters through referendums.

“We are deeply grateful for the continued support of ESPLOST to fund capital projects that improve our schools and support our students while remaining fully committed to the responsible management of all funds,” Timms said.