Summit Charter School held a groundbreaking ceremony to formally kick off phase 2 of the new high school expansion project with students, teachers, staff, donors, and volunteers present on Aug. 24.
Summit Foundation members, students, staff, and donors break ground on the new high school.
Summit Head of School Kurt Pusch spoke to those in attendance and said Summit has exceeded 30% enrollment growth over the past four years and more space is needed.
Summit Head of School Kurt Pusch speaks to those assembled at the groundbreaking ceremony.
The project entails a new high school facility and middle school pavilion that will add over 15,000 square feet of learning and community space to Summit’s campus.
Summit staff and students gathered to watch the offical groundbreaking.
Pusch said this will create the capacity across our K-12 program to maintain small class sizes that are distinctive to Summit, and supporting long-term enrollment and financial sustainability goals.
Summit Foundation members, staff, and donors break ground on the new high school.
He added that this would not be possible without a dedicated Summit staff.
“Summit’s growth is the result of the dedication of many, most especially our incredible teachers and staff who pour their hearts into their work with our students each day,” said Pusch. “As we celebrate this occasion, please join me in thanking our amazing Summit faculty and staff for their inspiring service to our school and community.”
Sarah Jennings, Summit Charter School Foundation Chair, and said how grateful she feels to be part of such a generous and supportive community.
Sarah Jennings thanked the many groups, committees, business, and individuals who have supported this project.
“Our seventh virtue is Giving, and this project would not be possible without the incredible generosity of a number of people and their organizations,” she said. “We anticipate having over $1M of goods and services donated to the completion of this project thanks to Bradley Johnson of Cashiers Craftsman, Roman Placko of Roman’s Roofing, Craig Calavo of Computer Comforts, Inc., McNeely’s, and Mark Rogers Grading.”
Jennings added she would like to give special recognition to Josh Crawford for his tireless efforts to move this project along.
Lastly, she thanked those involved in the planning process.
“I would also like to extend gratitude toward our selection and construction committees for their time and talents throughout this process and the board of directors of both the Foundation and Board of Trustees for their dedication to this project,” said Jennings.
While breaking ground is a milestone, Jennings said there is still a lot of work to be done.
Summit has raised $4.5M of their $6.5M goal.
“If you are here today, it is because you have a belief in this place. Summit has a special place in the hearts of all of us,” she said. “We still have a lot of work to do before we can cut the ribbon of our new high school. There is money to be raised, walls to be built, and furniture to be moved.”
J Davis Construction is contracted for the expansion and a member of their team, Alley Linder, said he was happy to work with Summit because their mission at JD is to work on projects that have a positive impact on the broader community.
Alley Linder tells the crowd that J Davis Construction is thrilled to be contracted on this project.
“There’s something incredibly special about being a part of a community and we believe that there is no better way to impact a community than by supporting its educational institutions, especially those that are passionate about nurturing and growing the next generation,” said Linder.
Chloe’s Lemon-Aid Stand was on hand to keep attendees cool, with proceeds going towards educational programs.
Read more about phase 2 of Summit’s high school expansion project HERE.