New Pulaski K8 School Opens in Savannah

August 16, 2024

SAVANNAH, GA - Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS), Balfour Beatty and Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC) celebrates completion of the Pulaski K8 School near Hunter Army Airfield, a conversion of an existing K-5 school to expand to grade levels six through eight providing local students a consistent learning space through middle school.

A ceremony was held at the school on Aug. 15 where representatives from SCCPSS, Pulaski faculty, Savannah-Chatham County Board of Public Education, Hunter Army Airfield military base, Balfour Beatty and GMC cut the ribbon to commemorate the new education facility. Additionally, Pulaski students led a tour of their new school, officially introducing the learning space to the community.

"Today was truly incredible as we were able to celebrate a new chapter for our Pulaski Patriots and families," Dr. Christina Tucker, Principal at Pulaski K8. "I am honored and blessed to be a part of this journey. Success is not accidental and we will continue to work diligently to maintain our school's tradition of excellence."

Balfour Beatty delivered a 42,700-square-foot addition comprising of 19 new instructional units to support an additional 350 students. The facility also features administrative offices, a new gymnasium sized for middle school sports, media center, student clinic and athletic fields which will serve students on the U.S. military base and the local community.

Mike Macon, Balfour Beatty senior vice president in Georgia states: "We're incredibly proud to celebrate the completion of the new Pulaski K8 School and to contribute to the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System. Investing in our local schools is essential to building a strong community and we're honored to leave a lasting legacy through this project. By expanding the new learning facility, we're not only addressing the growing needs of the surrounding area but also supporting the military families stationed at Hunter Army Airfield. We've enjoyed a fantastic partnership with Dr. Tucker and her team and industry partners, and we wish the Pulaski students, faculty and staff the best school year ahead."

Balfour Beatty partnered with NuJak Companies, Inc., a Lakeland, Florida firm, to provide project and support staff and lead efforts with hiring local minority women-owned business and enterprises (MWBE) firms. Balfour Beatty also supported NuJak throughout the project through mentorship and executive training opportunities while NuJak further established their lasting presence in Savannah and working relationship with SCCPSS.

Designed by GMC, Pulaski K-8 maintains the existing classrooms, generates new efficient and clear areas for shared space and age separation, while taking advantage of existing resources through careful planning and strategy. By studying the existing core spaces, GMC planned renovations to the existing facility to also include expanding the media center to accommodate student growth.

"We're grateful for the opportunity to work with Savannah-Chatham County Public School System and Balfour Beatty on the Pulaski K8 School. As members of this community, our team is proud to play a small part in helping provide a facility that inspires learning and supports our local students and educators," GMC Education Practice Leader Shawn Hamlin said.