Community leaders, educators, and supporters gathered on February 28, 2025, to celebrate the historic groundbreaking of the new Statesboro STEAM College, Careers, Arts and Technology Academy campus.
Statesboro STEAM Academy has been around since 2002. The new 36,000-square-foot facility, designed to foster innovation and collaboration, will feature open-air learning environments, flexible classroom spaces, and advanced technology.
The project is funded through revenue bonds approved by the Bulloch County Development Authority, totaling up to $13 million. At the July 16, 2024, Bulloch County Board of Commissioners meeting, Attorney Steve Rushing emphasized that these bonds are not an obligation of the county or city but will be repaid solely through the school’s revenue sources, including state education funds.
“This project will fund the construction of a 35,000-square-foot school building featuring an open-air collaborative design in a modular environment,” Rushing said at the meeting. Construction is expected to take about two years before the school welcomes its first students.
A Vision for the Future of Education
The new Statesboro STEAM Academy will offer state-of-the-art learning spaces designed to enhance student engagement and creativity. According to the school’s design plan, key features include:
- Open Classrooms – Flexible learning spaces with movable partitions instead of traditional walls.
- Outdoor Learning Areas – Classrooms will integrate natural light and ventilation, enhancing students' connection with nature.
- Collaborative Zones – Centralized spaces with whiteboards, digital displays, and comfortable seating for group projects and discussions.
- Flexible Learning Spaces – Modular furniture and high-speed internet to support various teaching styles.
- Modern Gymnasium – Featuring a full-size basketball court, volleyball nets, multi-sport flooring, and outdoor sports fields for soccer, baseball, and track.
- Sustainability Features – The campus will use green building materials, energy-efficient lighting, and HVAC systems to reduce its carbon footprint.
- Community Spaces – Multi-use areas will be available for local events, workshops, and meetings, strengthening the school's connection with the community.
Technology at the Forefront
Stuart Gregory, Director of Business Development for Bulloch Solutions, spoke about the company’s role in providing next-generation networking and Wi-Fi solutions, powered by Arista Networks. Gregory actually designed the new school building.
"At Bulloch Solutions, we are committed to delivering cutting-edge networking solutions that empower education and innovation," Gregory said. "By partnering with STEAM Academy, we ensured students and faculty have secure, high-performance connectivity, the same class of equipment used in stadiums and major arenas. We are extraordinarily grateful for the opportunity to support and participate in the future of these students."
Community Leaders Celebrate Milestone
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Corliss Reese, Executive Director of Statesboro STEAM Academy, reflected on the journey to bring this project to life.
"We first discussed this project two years ago, and now, we are officially breaking ground on a cutting-edge campus that will serve students in a collaborative, open-air learning environment," Reese said. "This school will provide new opportunities for students and clear the existing waiting list, while also leaving room for future expansion on our 50-acre property."
Reese also took a moment to recognize school board members, faculty, and staff for their dedication, asking them to stand for a round of applause.
Development Authority's Support
Benjy Thompson, CEO of the Development Authority of Bulloch County, spoke about the importance of investing in education.
"This new facility is a great example of how education plays a crucial role in workforce development and innovation," Thompson said. "We are proud to help fund projects like this, ensuring a brighter future for our students and community."
City and County Leaders Express Support
Shari Barr, Mayor Pro Tem of Statesboro, praised the STEAM Academy’s positive impact on the community.
"I have been a longtime supporter of this academy, and I know that this new facility will contribute so much to our students, families, and the future of Statesboro," Barr said. "It’s incredible to see a project like this come to life, and I congratulate everyone involved in making this happen."
David Bennett, representing the Bulloch County Board of Commissioners, emphasized the importance of expanding educational opportunities in the county.
"I'm always excited to come out and see events like this," said Bennett. "It's going to be a great facility and a great place for kids to learn."
Ceremonial Groundbreaking
Following the remarks, officials and key stakeholders lined up for the ceremonial groundbreaking. Twelve shovels were placed in the soil as community leaders, board members, and staff participated in the event.
As the crowd counted down—"Three… two… one… toss!"—the first dirt was turned, officially kicking off construction on the Statesboro STEAM Academy.
The celebration wrapped up with STEAM-branded popcorn and refreshments for attendees, as excitement built for the academy’s future.
Looking Ahead
With construction now underway, Statesboro STEAM Academy is expected to open in 2026, offering cutting-edge educational opportunities for students across the region.