Houston County approves $5 million agreement to build STEM academy

The Houston County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve an intergovernmental memorandum of agreement with the Houston County Board of Education to construct a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) academy. The agreement is for $5,000,000, to be funded from general fund reserves and remitted upon execution of the construction contract. The board also authorized the accounting department to make necessary budget adjustments to support the project.

Commissioner Tallent introduced the request, describing the project as a major investment in workforce and economic development for the county and the wider Middle Georgia region. "I want to start by recognizing this Board and the previous Board members for their conservative leadership, which allows us to have the funds to support a deal such as this," Commissioner Tallent said. Commissioner Byrd and others emphasized the academy’s potential to prepare local students for high-demand careers, and noted a dedicated wing for health-care-related career pathways.

Commissioners cited partnerships that led to the project, including cooperation with the state, Central Georgia Technical College and Bloomberg Philanthropies. "This facility will really provide a unique opportunity for Houston County's strongest STEM students to advance their skills," one commissioner said during debate. The motion to approve was made from the dais and carried unanimously.

Next steps: staff will complete the accounting adjustments and execute the construction contract according to the terms described in the memorandum; the board did not establish a separate public hearing for the project at this meeting.