Celebrating Rebirth: DCSD Breaks Ground on Cross Keys High Expansion and Modernization Project
A new day is coming to Cross Keys High School. On August 28, the DeKalb County School District (DCSD), the DeKalb County Board of Education, school officials, and students were joined by other local elected officials to officially break ground for the school’s new addition and modernization.
Built in 1958, Cross Keys High will be transformed into a modern building that offers an immediate, inviting atmosphere as soon as students, staff, and visitors enter the new main entrance. The entrance has expansive high windows that flood interior spaces with natural light. The new additions include an auditorium that can be used for multi-purpose opportunities and an athletic complex with a new baseball field. For Cross Keys High senior Diego Zilli, the expansion and modernization represent the beginning of a new journey for his school and community.
“This school will be a place where students like me can explore our potential, overcome challenges, and prepare to shape the world around us. It will be a space where friendships flourish, dreams take flight, and leaders are born,” said Diego. “Thank you to District leaders and community partners for believing in us and investing in our future. Your commitment ensures that future generations of students will have a school that fosters excellence, equity, and hope.”
DCSD Superintendent emphasized the District’s commitment to investing in Cross Keys. He said this expansion and modernization has “been decades in the making to make sure this school is one of the best, and our students can receive everything that they need.”
The modernization includes a fully remodeled media center, cafeteria, and parent drop-off area. The project, totaling $148,421,607, was funded by voter-approved E-SPLOST and approved at the Board meeting on March 10.
“We are not just breaking ground on a construction project. We’re celebrating the rebirth of Cross Keys,” said DeKalb County Board of Education member Whitney McGinniss. “This project represents more than just bricks and mortar. A modernized building will provide a better learning environment for our students. Safe, bright, and designed for the 21st century.”
“This modernization and expansion of our campus marks a bold step forward in honoring our past, while building a space that meets the needs of today and tomorrow,” said Cross Keys High
Interim Principal Roberta Gibson. “Today, the Phoenix takes flight, and Cross Keys will soar higher than ever before.”
The project is scheduled to be completed by the 2028-2029 school year. A video of how the future Cross Keys High School will look can be found here.
View photos from the event here.