Peachtree – Despite several delays, construction for Cherokee County Schools’ new School of Innovation & Technology remains on track. Superintendent Jeana Conley is hopeful for a grand opening of July 1, 2021.
Prior to breaking ground in June, there were construction delays often related to permits. Historians also raised concerns that the 27-acre site, located off U.S. 64 East near Tri-County Community College’s main campus, might be home to buried artifacts. Since none were found, Conley said school board members agreed to resume construction.
“Grading is now fully complete,” site supervisor Kelly Luther said as he watched a Cat Dozer being loaded for transport off the site. “Since the beginning, we’ve seen no evidence of any artifacts. We’ve gone as far as 17 feet deep.”
Conley said construction crews know how to identify possible historical sites and have agreed to immediately halt construction should they find anything unusual while moving dirt.
Conley said the property will house two existing schools -- Tri-County Early College High School and The Oaks Academy alternative school – and students from all Cherokee County high schools will be eligible to take career-based courses. Plus, the new facility will accommodate high school students from Cherokee, Graham, and Clay counties, who can also graduate high school with an associate’s degree thanks to the Early College’s relationship with the community college.
In addition to $15 million in funding provided by the state, Conley said an additional $5 million came from county funds that were already allocated. While she’s excited about the building project and how it will enhance the future of local students, she added that the construction won’t affect local taxpayers.
By Tracy Barnes Staff Correspondent