Morgan County Charter Schools kicked off construction of its new K-5 facility with a groundbreaking ceremony on April 23.
The board of education celebrated by turning the soil with several community members, local officials, and teachers in attendance. The new K-5 facility, which will house both the primary and elementary schools, is under construction at 1581 Old Buckhead Road and will open in Fall 2028.
Several primary and elementary students took part in the Thursday morning event by leading the pledge of allegiance and the national anthem and by handing out programs to attendees.
MCCS Superintendent of Schools Dr. Susan Stancil made a few remarks to open the ceremony, emphasizing the milestone as “building possibility, growth, and a strong foundation” for future generations.
“Today’s groundbreaking marks more than the start of construction; it represents a shared commitment to the future of our children and the continued growth of our community,” she said. “This new elementary school stands as a promise that we will provide safe, inspiring, and innovative learning environments where every child can thrive.”
Stancil also acknowledged former and current faculty as key factors in making the project possible, along with community leaders.
“This project reflects the hard work, vision, and collaboration of so many people gathered here, and many more who have supported this effort along the way, including our retired superintendent, Dr. Virgil Cole,” Stancil said. “As we turn the first soil today, we are not just building a school, we are building possibilities, growth, and a strong foundation for generations to come. Thank you for being here and being part of this exciting moment.”
Assistant Superintendent Jay Homan spoke briefly during the ceremony before introducing guest speaker Jean Triplett. He also acknowledged community members and local officials for taking part in the project.
“To all of our elected officials, community leaders, staff members, families, and friends: thank you for being here and for your continued investment in the success of our students,” Homan said. “Today is not only just about building a new facility, but it is also about honoring our past while stepping confidently into the future.”
Homan acknowledged Triplett for playing a crucial role in opening the current elementary school a couple of decades earlier.
“It is my privilege to introduce our guest speaker, and she should join us again as we begin this new chapter,” Homan said. “Her presence today serves as a powerful reminder of the strong foundation that brought us to this moment and the promise that lies ahead.”
During her remarks, Triplett reflected on her part in the opening of the current elementary school building. She emphasized that the staff anticipated the facility from the very beginning.
“I can remember that our first faculty meeting was full of excitement and enthusiasm, but also a lot of anticipation and maybe a little uncertainty,” Triplett said. “We stood among the cinder blocks in the dust for that faculty meeting, and I remember it like yesterday, how I was nervous and excited.”
Triplett noted that, despite moving to a new location in the near future, the school’s mission will remain the same.
“This new building is something different, but the mission won’t change,” Triplett said. “The buildings hold memories and moments that I will treasure forever, and the moments that will not just shape the academic success but also the character, the courage of the people who walk through those doors.”
Overall, Triplett says she was fortunate to be part of the school system thanks to the support of the other employees. She noted the construction to signify “the start of something great” and that educators will be “the heartbeat” of the new facility.
“To the educators and staff who are here today, you will be the heartbeat of the school when it’s built, and you will create the climate and culture for our children where they feel safe, they feel valued, and they’re inspired to grow,” Triplett said. “We’re celebrating more than just a ribbon cutting, but also the uniting of two schools with one shared common community and common vision, a place where potential would be discovered.”