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AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) — The Richmond County Board of Education voted unanimously Monday to approve a long-range facilities plan that will close and consolidate several schools, including converting T.W. Josey Comprehensive High School into a districtwide College and Career Academy.
Nine of 10 board members were present for the vote.
The changes take effect after the 2025–2026 school year and include:
Boundary adjustments tied to the closures were also approved.
Josey will temporarily close during construction. When the new academy opens — currently projected for fall 2029 — the Josey attendance zone will be dissolved, and students countywide may apply to attend.
The vote followed three public listening sessions. Alumni and community members have pushed to preserve Josey’s legacy.
“Career Academy is fine, but if they just keep Josey’s name alive,” said alumnus Irvin White. “That’s what a lot of us keep fighting for.”
Some residents argued the shift would erase traditional high school programming and community identity.
“It’s about a community. It’s about the ecosystem that was created from that,” one speaker said at a prior meeting. “College and career academies don’t have traditional high school programming at all. So it will be lost.”
Others noted the school’s history serving Black students during segregation.
Board leaders say they adjusted the plan after hearing public concerns.
“They listened, and they made adjustments,” said district spokesperson Haley LaCuesta.
Board member Shontae Boyd acknowledged skepticism from residents.
“The community does not trust us,” Boyd said. “But I promise we will do what we say we are going to do.”
Board President Shawnda Stovall called the changes necessary “right-sizing” and said the district is preparing for the future.
With the plan approved, the district will form a naming committee for the new College and Career Academy.
Written by: georgianow
Augusta Barton Chapel Elementary Georgia Education Glenn Hills Elementary Richmond County Richmond County Board of Education school consolidation T.W. Josey High School
Ron Roberts is a Georgia-born radio veteran and host of The Ron Show, Atlanta's only progressive audio platform airing weekdays on AmericaOne Radio. With an extensive background as an FM radio program director and broadcaster skilled in audio editing, voice acting, and commercials, Ron brings nearly three decades of radio experience to his show. The show covers Atlanta, metro Atlanta, Georgia, and national politics from a unique perspective—he's a self-described "run-of-the-mill Georgia-born gay progressive cat-dad realtor & talk show host". Ron frequently welcomes guests ranging from local activists to prominent national figures, including Marianne Williamson, Rep. Nikema Williams, actor Michael Kelly, and Sen. Shea Roberts.
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