Johnna Pinholster
LAKELAND — Lanier County has a new elementary school. The Lanier County School System had a grand opening for their third through fifth grade facility Tuesday evening.
The community turned out to tour the school, which will open its doors to students on August 24.
“We as Lanier County citizens should be very, very proud,” Board Chairman Franklin Patten said. “It's because of the citizens of Lanier County that we are able to do this, so thank you.”
The $12.5 million dollar school was built through a combination of local tax dollars and SPLOST funds that will be used to pay back the bonds purchased for the school, Superintendent Keith Humphrey said.
While Patten thanked the community, school staff and school system for their hard work to make the facility possible, he said that one person went above and beyond the call of duty. Former Board of Education Chairman Phillip Connell was honored with a plaque that had a picture of the school’s ground breaking and the finished product.
“He put his heart and soul into this building,” Patten said. “He wanted every detail to be perfect.”
Humphrey said the drive of the community to make the school a reality will be a benefit to the children that will walk through its doors.
“Public education is under attack in this country but not in this community,” he said.
Before the guests toured the building, Connell said a few words.
“This building ain’t here because of Phillip or Franklin or the BOE,” Connell said. “It's here for the youth. As grown-ups we can make a difference in a life and that’s all I want from this community.”
He encouraged those gathered to help somebody, anybody, if they are in need.
