TIFTON, GA – At its regularly scheduled meeting on June 11, 2026, the Tift County Board of Education approved agreements with GMC (Goodwyn Mills Cawood) to provide professional architectural and engineering services for two significant facility projects that will support the district’s long-term growth and commitment to providing exceptional learning environments for students.
The first project includes the renovation of Annie Belle Clark Elementary School. GMC will provide facility assessment services, basic architectural and engineering services, construction administration services, and post-construction services. The approved professional services agreement will not exceed six percent of the total construction costs. The estimated construction budget for the renovation project is between $10 million and $14 million.
As part of the district’s long-range facilities plan, Annie Belle Clark Elementary School which was constructed in 2003, was identified for major renovations in 2024 to address aging building systems and ensure the facility continues to meet the needs of students and staff for years to come. The renovation project will provide an opportunity to enhance the learning environment while extending the useful life of the facility. Renovations are currently slated to begin in 2027, following the completion of the planning and design phases.
The Board also approved GMC to provide professional services for the design and construction of a new fifth and sixth grade school that will replace the current Eighth Street Middle School facility. Services will include basic architectural and engineering services, construction administration services, and post-construction services. The professional services agreement will not exceed six percent of the total construction costs. The estimated construction budget for the new school is between $50 million and $60 million.
These projects represent a significant investment in the future of Tift County Schools and align with the district’s ongoing efforts to modernize facilities and enhance educational opportunities for our students.
“Tift County Schools continues to make strategic investments in facilities that support student achievement and provide high-quality learning environments,” said Superintendent Natalie Gore. “The approval of these professional services agreements is an important step forward as we begin the planning and design process for both the Annie Belle Clark renovation and the new fifth and sixth grade school. These projects will have a lasting impact on generations of students and families in our community.”
The new fifth and sixth grade school will replace the current Eighth Street Middle School facility and provide a modern educational environment designed to meet the instructional, technological, and operational needs of future students. The project is part of the district’s long-range facilities planning efforts and reflects the community’s continued support of educational excellence through ESPLOST investments.Construction of the new school is preliminarily projected to begin during the 2027–2028 school year, pending completion of design, permitting, and other pre-construction activities.
Additional project details, timelines, and design updates will be shared with the community as planning progresses.
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