Druid Hills High School is getting a $50M makeover

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga — It’s a big win for students who went viral months ago after posting about the horrible conditions inside the school on social media.

“It got way bigger than I ever though it would be,” said Townes Purdy, a graduate who produced the video. “I’m glad I did.”

The DeKalb County School Board voted unanimously on Tuesday approving $50 million in funding to make major renovations at Druid Hills High School.

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A district spokesperson said that the actual design phase of the project will begin as early as fall 2022. The construction phase will begin in spring 2024.

In April, about a half-dozen students made a video showcasing the leaking ceilings, exposed electrical wiring, mold and raw sewage inside the school.

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“I’m feeling like a proud big brother for my school,” Purdy said. “That’s really what I’m feeling.”

On Wednesday, Tanzy Kilcrease started her role as a special advisor for DeKalb County School District, under the State Department of Education. Her job will be to evaluate, make recommendations and monitor all DeKalb County schools to align with the state’s corrective action plan.

One of her biggest tasks will be to oversee facility projects, including Druid Hills High School.

Kilcrease told WABE-FM in an interview that she is ready but will need time.

“I don’t think until I’m able to be onsite myself and also have the opportunity to delve into the current data that exists so I can see the current reality, I won’t be able to begin to think about how we develop those long-term plans for sustainability,” Kilcrease said in the radio interview.

The DeKalb County School District says 60% of the immediate need for the school building is being completed right now, including improvements to the roof, plumbing, heating and air conditioning system.

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