Over the last few months I have been asked by numerous citizens about the status of the construction of the new Bainbridge High School. I hope that the following comments will answer these questions.

Click a large image with site 1 year ago

BHS Site, November 2008

Our architect and contractors are well organized, and the management of this project has been exemplary. I am pleased to say that we are ahead of schedule and are presently working on the finishing stages inside the building.

Painting and the installation of ceiling tiles, flooring, and cabinetry are currently underway. The exterior work is almost complete with a few more columns and finish trim work to be completed. The design of the building should prove to be timeless. I have had numerous people within the community, as well as people outside of the community, remark how beautiful the building looks.

We began in October planning and designing the landscape of the campus. Trees, shrubbery, and grass are scheduled to be planted in January and early spring. We are taking orders through the end of December from individuals who would like to purchase an ornamental tree to be planted on the campus and dedicated to someone special. (See More) If you are interested in dedicating a tree, please call the Board of Education Office at 229-248-2802.

Our plan of occupancy is being developed with the initial phase of moving teachers into the building at the end of the school term in May. Work will continue through the summer with complete occupancy scheduled for the beginning of the 2009-2010 school term.

A dedication ceremony and tour for the public will be scheduled prior to school opening in the fall of 2009. This has been a major facilities project, but it is a facility that every child in Decatur County will attend and benefit from for generations to come. The Board of Education would like to thank the citizens of Decatur County for your continuing support of the E-SPLOST (one cent sales tax for education) Referendum. Our system has been able to renovate several of our existing schools and build a new elementary school and a magnificent new high school with that penny that everyone, both residents and visitors, pays on every dollar of purchased goods within Decatur County. Without the sales tax referendum, none of this could have been accomplished.

Since the inception of the E-SPLOST funding, we have not used any Ad Valorem (property tax) dollars on these new facilities and improvement projects. We have modern safe schools of which we should all be proud. I urge everyone to shop and trade in Decatur County. When you shop here you are supporting our merchants, our commerce, and are keeping our sales tax dollars working for our school children. It's simply a "win, win" situation for Decatur County. Hope to see you at the dedication.