The Douglas County School System recently celebrated an exciting milestone as construction 
began on a new $215 million, state-of-the-art campus for Lithia Springs High School that will replace the current 50-year-old facility.
School leadership, members of the Board of Education, Parrish Construction Group, and several dignitaries and elected officials gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony held on Friday, Oct. 24.
“This is a momentous day for the Douglas County School System,” said Superintendent Dr. Trent North. “It’s a day of pride for the Lithia Springs community, especially for our students as this groundbreaking symbolizes our community’s commitment to providing them with the learning environments they deserve. This new campus will ensure that tradition of excellence continues for generations to come.”
Board of Education Vice Chair D.T. Jackson expressed great pride in the new project, noting that he looks forward to seeing the positive impact the new campus will have on students and the overall community.
Additional speakers included standout sophomore Justin Callwood, who is a current student at
Lithia Springs High School. “It’s amazing that the school gets to have something like this…great community, great people,” he said.
Chamber of Commerce representative Debra Simon also addressed the crowd with enthusiasm and words of inspiration just before the ribbon cutting.
The new facility will be built in multiple phases on the existing campus to allow uninterrupted learning throughout the project. The modern campus will feature updated technology infrastructure, expanded classroom space, and facilities designed to support the school's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Magnet program.
"The construction of a new high school will allow us to build a facility that enables our students and the community to embrace innovation and technology," said Dr. Christopher Small, Assistant Superintendent of Operations. "The current building, while it has served our community well, has reached its functional lifespan and can no longer be effectively reconfigured or renovated to meet modern educational needs."
As Douglas County's second-oldest high school, Lithia Springs High has educated thousands of students since opening its doors in 1975. The new campus will honor that legacy while providing 21st-century learning spaces that meet the needs of today's students.
"Lithia has a long legacy of launching students into college and career success,” said Principal 
Felicia Jones. "This new campus will allow our Lions to continue soaring in an updated learning environment that reflects their aspirations and potential."
The project is funded through bonds issued as part of Education Special Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST) VII, part of a $276.3 million bond package that also includes funding for other critical infrastructure improvements throughout the district.
The new high school is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2029, with a goal of moving students back into the new main building around the midway point.