A Major Investment in the Savannah Grove Community Will Bring a New State-of-the-Art Elementary School, Reinforcing Florence 1 Schools' Commitment to Future Generations

FLORENCE, SC / ACCESS Newswire / April 7, 2026 / Florence 1 Schools officially broke ground on the new 90,000-square-foot Savannah Grove Elementary, marking a significant milestone for students, families, and the broader community. The new two-story facility will be constructed just down the road from the current school through a partnership with Florence County Council, bringing with it a modern academic environment and new baseball fields for the Savannah Grove community.

The groundbreaking ceremony drew strong attendance from community members, school leaders, local officials, students, and supporters, reflecting the deep pride and excitement surrounding the project. The new school is expected to be completed in 2027 and will open for the 2027-2028 academic year.

Florence 1 Schools Superintendent Richard O'Malley joined members of the Florence 1 Schools Board of Trustees and representatives from Florence County Council in commemorating the occasion. Among those offering remarks were longtime Savannah Grove representative Barry Townsend, current area representative Dr. Gloria Bracey, Florence County Council Chairman Jerry Yarborough, and Vice Chairman William Schofield.

"Today, we are not just breaking ground on a new building, we are laying the foundation for the dreams of countless children who walk through these doors, eager to learn, grow and thrive," said Dr. Gloria Bracey during the ceremony. "This moment is a testament to what happens when vision meets dedication. When a community comes together to invest in its future, a school is more than bricks and mortar; it is a beacon of light. A sanctuary where knowledge is cultivated and a place where young minds are shaped."

The new facility represents a substantial investment in educational excellence and long-term community development. Designed as a 90,000-square-foot, two-story campus, the building will provide modern learning spaces built to support student achievement, collaboration, and innovation for years to come.

In addition to the academic benefits, the broader project will enhance community infrastructure with the addition of new baseball fields, creating expanded opportunities for athletics, recreation, and local engagement.

Students also played a meaningful role in the ceremony. Savannah Grove students Rachel Rutt and Tristan Rush shared personal reflections on what the school means to them and their excitement for its future. Rachel spoke about the qualities she loves most about Savannah Grove and her hopes for the new campus while Tristan delivered a heartfelt poem in honor of the groundbreaking.

The event reinforces Florence 1 Schools' continued focus on investing in student success while strengthening the communities it serves. For families in the Savannah Grove area, the new school represents growth, opportunity, and a shared commitment to the next generation.

Florence 1 Schools serves the Florence, South Carolina, community as a comprehensive public school district dedicated to academic excellence, innovation, and student success. The district provides a wide range of educational opportunities from early childhood through high school, emphasizing rigorous instruction, supportive learning environments, and strong family and community partnerships. Committed to developing the whole child, Florence 1 Schools prioritizes leadership, character, wellness, and college - and career-readiness to prepare students for lifelong achievement.

For more news and information about Florence 1 Schools, please visit https://www.f1s.org/.

Media Contact: Ashley Watson
Phone: 843-413-4687
Email: marketing@f1s.org

SOURCE: Florence 1 Schools