Henderson E. Forme Early Learning Center reopens after $14 million renovation

The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System reopened the Early Learning Center at Henderson E. Forme Junior School after a $14 million renovation, Ken Slatz, a representative of SCCPSS, said. The renovation, paid in part with a voter-approved “extra penny,” refurbished classrooms, common areas and outdoor spaces to serve pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and first-grade students on Savannah’s East Side, Slatz said. "A magnificent transformation through a $14,000,000 renovation," he said. District officials said the project is intended to support early-childhood learning by improving the physical environment for students and staff. "This renovation contributes to student success when students, faculty, and staff enter a site that is clean, pristine, bright, beautiful. It ignites the passion for teaching as well as learning," Slatz said. Slatz noted the center continues a local tradition dating to the building’s original opening in 1989 as East Broad Street Elementary and that the center is named for Henderson E. Forme, an educator and former principal and superintendent the speaker described as an early-learning advocate. "It was H. E. Forme's specific desire to start youngsters early," Slatz said. The district did not provide a detailed funding breakdown in the remarks; Slatz referenced voters who approved the "extra penny" but did not specify whether other local, state or federal funds contributed to the $14 million total. The reopening remarks lasted roughly two minutes and were delivered on behalf of SCCPSS by Slatz. No board motions, votes or formal policy decisions were announced during the remarks. The district said the facility will serve pre-K, kindergarten and first-grade students as part of broader district goals to create "inspiring, secure and high-quality learning environments" for early learners. For SCCPSS, Slatz concluded the remarks by thanking voters and staff.