Newton County Schools Celebrates Completion of New Athletic Complexes at All Three High Schools
Newton County Schools recently marked a major milestone with ribbon cutting ceremonies at Alcovy High School, Eastside High School, and Newton High School, officially unveiling new, state-of-the-art athletic complexes made possible through the continued support of the community through the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (E-SPLOST).
Held over three days, the celebrations brought together students, staff, families, alumni, and community members to commemorate the completion of facilities that will serve generations of student-athletes and stand as a lasting reflection of community investment in public education.
Funded through E-SPLOST, the more than $35 million project includes new turf stadiums, expanded seating, video scoreboards, fieldhouses, locker rooms, weight rooms, and upgraded concessions and restroom facilities at each high school. These additions ensure all three schools now have modern, on-campus athletic venues designed to support both competition and student development.
Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley III reflected on the broader impact of the project and the role of the community in making it possible.
“These new athletic complexes represent what can happen when a community comes together around a shared vision for its students,” said Dr. Bradley. “Because of the support of our voters through E-SPLOST, we are able to provide high-quality facilities that not only enhance athletic programs, but also create spaces where students can grow, compete, and build pride in their schools.”
Board of Education Chair Abigail Coggin emphasized the importance of community trust and investment.
“This project is a direct reflection of our community’s commitment to providing the very best for our students,” said Coggin. “E-SPLOST allows us to make meaningful improvements across our district, and we are grateful to our voters for continuing to support initiatives that expand opportunities and strengthen our schools.”
Chief Operations Officer Dr. Michael Barr recognized the collaborative effort behind the project’s completion.
“These facilities are the result of careful planning, strong partnerships, and a shared commitment to excellence,” said Dr. Barr. “We are grateful to our architects, contractors, and project teams who worked diligently to bring this vision to life. Their expertise and dedication ensured that our students and community now have spaces they can be proud of for years to come.”
The completion of the athletic complexes also signals a new era for high school athletics in Newton County Schools, as each school now has the ability to host competitions on its own campus.
District Athletic Director Carl Green highlighted the impact on school culture and student experience.
“These facilities give our students a true home-field experience,” said Green. “There is a sense of pride that comes with competing in your own space, in front of your community. This is about more than athletics. It’s about building school spirit, strengthening connections, and creating lasting memories for our students.”
The ribbon cutting ceremonies not only celebrated the completion of the complexes but also honored the collective effort that made them possible, from district leadership and staff to community partners and, most importantly, the voters who supported E-SPLOST.
As the facilities begin to host games, meets, and community events, they will serve as a lasting reminder of what can be achieved when a community invests in its schools and its students.