'A New Beginning': Douglas County Schools' 2nd-Oldest High School To Be Razed, Rebuilt

DOUGLAS COUNTY, GA — Lithia Springs High School, Douglas County School System's second-oldest high school, will be razed and rebuilt on the same site with a modern, upgraded facility.

The DCSS Board of Education approved a resolution Monday to phase out the 47-year-old school. Architects say the 1975 building has reached its life expectancy, and because of its architectural design, the building can no longer be reconfigured, repaired or renovated.

Under a five-year plan drafted by the Georgia Department of Education, the building will be demolished and a new, $26.7 million Lithia Springs High School will be rebuilt on the same site.

"Lithia Springs High School is a tremendous source of pride for our community," Superintendent Trent North said. "Lithia Lions graduate high school prepared to impact their community and the world. We are delighted that future graduates will have the opportunity to continue thriving on a more updated campus."

A two-year strategic planning phase for the building has to begin before construction starts on the new facility. School system officials said they are projecting construction to begin between January 2025 and January 2026, with completion in July 2027.

North said board members have had a vision for LSHS for awhile, and the new facility will offer added space and resources to "meet the needs of students living in a technology-rich world," he said in a news release.

"We're celebrating a new beginning for Lithia Springs High School," North said. "Partnering with Southern A&E architects will allow us to embrace modern infrastructure. This new campus will allow students to continue soaring in an updated learning environment."

Principal Travis Joshua said a renewed Lithia Springs High School will inspire the school community to achieve even greater heights.

"Lithia has a long legacy of launching students into college and career success," he said. "This is an exciting new chapter in our history of empowering every student to succeed."

Lithia Springs High School, located on East County Line Road, houses 1,427 students. The school is also home to Douglas County's Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Magnet program.