The Muscogee County School Board is set to vote on Monday on a proposal to combine Double Churches Elementary and Middle schools into a single campus, a decision that could reshape education and traffic patterns for residents of Columbus, Ga.
Chief Operations Officer Travis Anderson presented the “Double Churches Campus Replacement and Upgrade Project” during the board’s recent work session, noting that the concept originated after an architect’s recommendation in November 2024 to merge the two schools rather than treat them as separate projects. Anderson said the combined campus would cost approximately $56 million and would be funded by the 2024 E‑SPLOST referendum.
The plan calls for a brand‑new elementary school, a new middle‑school gymnasium, and a new athletic field for the middle school. Anderson explained that the existing elementary building suffers from an aging structure, outdated HVAC systems, and insufficient space for the community it serves. “That’s why that school was identified as the first project to tackle with replacing a school in the 2024 E‑SPLOST,” he said.
At the middle‑school level, Anderson highlighted that current athletic fields and the gymnasium do not meet modern standards, prompting the need for upgraded facilities. He added that the larger, combined campus would provide additional space for vehicle stacking, potentially easing the congestion that many parents experience after school dismissal.
Local resident Anthony Burris, whose grandchild attends the elementary school, described the traffic issue as a daily headache. “Right when school lets out, I mean, traffic both ways here on Whitesville and Whittlesey, the traffic gets pretty congested,” Burris told WTVM. “The wait time for the areas to get into your neighborhood can take anywhere between 5‑10 minutes just to get into your own neighborhood.” Anderson said the new bus loop and expanded parking areas are designed to address those concerns.
Board members will cast their votes on Monday, and the outcome will determine whether the $56 million project proceeds as outlined. If approved, the combined campus could begin construction later this year, with the goal of providing modern, standards‑compliant facilities for Columbus families.
What’s next: The Muscogee County School Board’s vote is scheduled for Monday. Residents can follow the board’s website or local news outlets for the final decision and any subsequent timeline for construction.
Sources: wtvm.com
