The Richmond County Board of Education (RCBOE) celebrated student success and took action on several properties outlined in the district’s long-range facilities master plan during the committee and regular board meeting held last evening. Board members voted to approve naming committee recommendations of two new school sites and passed a resolution to sell the John M. Tutt Middle School property after students transition to a new facility during the 2026-2027 school year.  

“This is about honoring our community’s legacy while making thoughtful decisions that position our students for success,” said RCBOE President Shawnda Stovall. “We approached each decision with the community in mind by listening to feedback, asking the right questions and staying focused on what’s best for students.” 
 
A moment was taken to celebrate more than 50 students and staff for their achievements, including  RCSS Academic Decathlon winners, Star Students,  art contest winners and outstanding principals. Among them was the The Cross Creek Comprehensive High School Basketball team, recognized for becoming 3A State Champions after remaining undefeated since late December.   

The board approved naming committee recommendations for two new schools. The college and career academy at the T.W. Josey Comprehensive High School site will be named the T.W. Josey High School College and Career Academy and will retain the Eagles mascot and traditional colors of Kelly green, Old English gold and white. The new elementary school at the Barton Chapel site will be named Chapel Hills Elementary and will adopt the Raptors mascot and a color palette of green, blue and orange. Both names were selected through a multistep process involving local historians, alumni, staff and parents. 

The board also approved a resolution to enter into a contract to sell the John M. Tutt Middle School property to Westminster Schools of Augusta. The sale allows the district to reinvest funds from an aging facility into student needs and modern infrastructure. The transaction will be finalized after the building closes and students transition to the newly renovated Langford-Tutt Middle School during the 2026-27 school year. Construction on the Langford-Tutt facility is projected to finish in fall 2026.