FOLKSTON, Ga. – Charlton County High School students are heading back to school Thursday after a delayed start tied to ongoing construction and final preparations inside the building.
School officials said the district needed extra time to finish electrical work and secure the certificate of occupancy before allowing students back into classrooms. Leaders also said a furniture company needed additional time to assemble and install furniture for classrooms, the cafeteria and office spaces.
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The Charlton County School District shared photos on social media last week showing a look inside the updated campus. Teachers were allowed back in to set up classrooms and begin unpacking, and the district asked parents and students to give staff space as they prepared for the first day back.
Parents and staff said they understood the delay if it meant the building would be ready for students.
“We just want time to get in there and work and make it good for them for a first day of school,” teacher Aleshia Sumpter said.
Parent Nikisha Lloyd added, “Kind of the same. We’re just ready. We’re all ready to see a new building.”
Even with students returning Thursday, construction at the school isn’t finished. The next phase of the project includes a new gym and weight room, and district officials expect that work to continue into next year, with full completion not expected until 2027.