The 47-year-old high school that is known as Lithia Springs Comprehensive High School will be demolished and replaced with a modern upgraded facility. It will be business as usual during this process. All students zoned for LSHS will continue to attend LSHS.
One of the architects currently working on the new state-of-the-art facility is a Lithia Springs High School graduate, Mrs. Misti Higdon Melara! Mrs. Melara graduated from LSHS in 2006. When asked what working on this project means to her, she replied, "I feel humbled to serve Lithia Springs and the community I was raised in. It's a full circle experience being a piece of my alma mater’s journey this long after graduating. The ability to use my experiences at the existing school has given me a unique perspective on this project and I’m excited to see Lithia’s future campus come to life. I am honored to continue Southern A&E's long standing commitment to serving the needs of the Douglas County School System."
LSHS is the second oldest high school in the Douglas County School System. Under a five-year plan drafted by the Georgia Department of Education, the school system will demolish the campus. A new Lithia Springs High School will be rebuilt on the same site in phases.
Douglas County School System Board of Education members approved a resolution to phase out the school. While the Lithia Springs campus has supported the educational needs of generations of Douglas County scholars, architects say the 1975 building has reached its life expectancy. Because of its architectural design, the building can no longer be reconfigured, repaired, or renovated.
Superintendent Trent North says this is an exciting chapter in the school’s history.
“Lithia Springs High School is a tremendous source of pride for our community,” he explains. “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.”
Superintendent North says the new facility will meet the needs of students living in a technology-rich world. A planning phase must begin before construction starts on the new Lithia Springs facility. “The two-year strategic planning process involves meeting with principals, staff, and students. Their input will help us assess the present and future needs of our students,” explains Superintendent North.
He says Douglas County Board of Education members have long held a vision for the future of Lithia Springs High. The signed resolution moves the board’s shared vision one step closer to reality. The modern learning facility will soon offer students the added space and resources needed for academic success.
The upcoming transformation also underscores the school system’s commitment to investing in high-quality infrastructure. Regularly evaluating campus facilities ensures the school system makes the best use of resources and ensures every student has a high-quality educational experience.
“We’re celebrating a new beginning for Lithia Springs High School,” says Superintendent North. “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.”
Lithia Spring High School’s East County Line Road campus houses 1,470 students. The school is also home to Douglas County’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Magnet program.