Asia Wilson - Reporter
ALBANY, GA (WALB) -
The Dougherty County School System said there's good news for many parents and kids as the new school year approaches because of a major renovation project.
Magnolia Elementary will now become the Magnolia Early Childhood Education Center and will open in two weeks.
The school has been closed since 2012 and has now been refurbished to house the pre-K program, the Gifted Life Lab and the Turning Point Program.
County officials said the three entities being housed in one location is all part of their consolidation plan.
"The reason that we brought those three entities here, is we're still going through the system and trying to consolidate some of our older buildings, get people out of there so that we can get rid of those buildings. Lose energy cost, save money. We spend a lot of money on utilities and energy. Whenever we close a building, it's great news for our budget," said Dougherty County School System Facility Director Bob Fowler.
The Dougherty County School System is looking to close Sylvandale Elementary eventually.
The Lincoln Complex facility on Corn Avenue, which currently houses support offices and the exceptional student programs will close for construction and turn into a non-student educational site.
The exceptional student program will move to Albany High School.
School system officials said the new education center is centrally located in the county on Samford Avenue, which could be an added benefit for citizens.
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