Mary A. Buckner Academy to be completed by start of new school year
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — The Muscogee County School District (MCSD) is making changes come Fall 2024, including the opening of a brand new school in East Columbus.
After breaking ground in August of 2023, the school district confirmed their new school, Mary A. Buckner Academy, is on schedule to be completed in time for the upcoming school year. This comes after the school district approved the merger combining Dawson Elementary and St. Mary’s Road Magnet Academy.
It’s a tremendous opportunity for all of us to be part of history, for our community, for our school district. There will never be a time when probably you or your children won’t realize that this school is part of the fabric of this community as it begins to take on all of our new students this next year.
David F. Lewis, Muscogee County School District Superintendent
Although a brand new build, Mary A. Buckner Academy highlights history in East Columbus – starting with its namesake. Mary Buckner was one of nine Buckner children, all of which were raised by the Muscogee County school system.
Being able to bring this school in the community which she was born and raised and received her education means a lot to the community for St. Mary’s and Dawson. One of the things that we value as a school district is ensuring students are well educated and receive those foundational skills, so they can be productive citizens in Columbus, Georgia.
LaTonya Hamilton, Principal at Mary A Buckner Academy
Hamilton says the new school will ensure that every student receives the same opportunity regardless of where they live.
I’m super proud that we all have this beautiful state-of-the-art, safe building in this community. I’m hoping that it will bring a lot of pride to the community for both St. Mary’s and Dawson.
LaTonya Hamilton, Principal at Mary A Buckner Academy
The multi-million dollar school will be three floors and close to 100,000 square feet. The new build is being made possible through the Education Special Purpose, Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST) dollars.
The school district says online registration for students attending Mary A. Buckner Academy opens April 8. Children currently at Dawson Elementary and St. Mary’s Road Magnet Academy will automatically be assigned to the new school.
Children who currently receive free or reduced lunch will also be eligible for the same at Mary A. Buckner Academy.
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