Chip Harp, Valdosta Today News
Sunny skies provided a warm backdrop for Governor Nathan Deal and other local and state dignitaries to ceremonially open the new Scintilla Charter Academy in Valdosta Wednesday.
Deal was joined by his wife, the State School Superintendent, members of the Georgia Charter School Commission, as well as local and regional elected officials in congratulating Principal Julie Hiers for her efforts in leading those involved to the opening of the school. He noted the spark, or scintilla in Latin, that started this grass roots effort to improve educational opportunities in the area.
A Charter School is a public school with a special “promise”, as Deal said, or charter with the community, to provide a special level of education and learning opportunity. Hiers led the effort, supported by board members, volunteers, and parents, to earn the school’s charter and then, see it through to construction and opening in August. As Deal noted, earning a state charter is not easy, stating only 3 were awarded statewide in 2015, with Scintilla being the only one in the South Georgia region. It was Deal’s education reform efforts which saw the creation of the State Charter Commission, providing schools like Scintilla the avenue to earn approval when local boards refuse them the opportunity.
School Board Chairman Zachary Cowart led the ceremony, which included recognition of the school’s faculty, board, and students, all of whom were on hand for the event. They also recognized assistance of the state commission, Governor’s office, and local support of True North Companies, who provided development and construction support to the board to construct the school.
After the ribbon cutting, students led small groups of adults through the school, showing off their new classrooms, media center, and assembly hall, all decorated by teacher and staff for the new school year. A reception was held, filled with proud students, parents, faculty and staff, excited about the new educational opportunities this new Charter School has provided the young people of Lowndes County and Valdosta.
