GCCISD Opens Sheila C .Liles Early Learning Academy

By: Kristyn Hunt Cathey, APR - Director of Communications

Goose Creek CISD held a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony for the Sheila C. Liles Early Learning Academy on August 8th. Located behind Ross S. Sterling High School, the event brought together family members, friends, and former colleagues of the veteran educator. In partnership with Fueling Brains, the academy will use a research-led approach to provide prekindergarten students with the knowledge and skills to start on the road to success. The classrooms are designed to provide group and individualized lessons that support students’ development and in turn, will make their transition to elementary school much easier.

Dr. Randal O’Brien, Superintendent of Schools, opened the event and spoke to the community’s desire to name the facility after Liles. “In the spring of 2022, the district began seeking community input for the Early Learning Academy Central campus,” he said. “Members of the community spoke at a Board meeting in support of naming the campus after Sheila C. Liles and on February 21st, our Board unanimously approved the naming of the campus after Mrs. Liles; who was a giant supporter of equality in education for all young students and who we are honored to recognize today.”

Liles spent 22 years in the district, serving in various capacities, including the first principal of B.P. Hopper Elementary School. Adrienne Tesar, principal of Liles, spoke proudly of her Liles ELA team. “I am so thankful to Dr. O’Brien, Susan Jackson and the Board for selecting me as the first principal of Sheila C. Liles Early Learning Academy,” she said. “I have the most amazing staff and we are ready to prepare them for the next level.” Liles’ daughter, Cynthia Liles Martin, was overwhelmed with emotion as she spoke about her mother. “I know my mom is smiling down on all of us, as we celebrate her life and legacy in this new building,” she said. “My family and I are eternally grateful to Goose Creek CISD for honoring the legacy of my mother.” Pat Hutchins, former colleague of Liles and close family friend, spoke highly of Sheila’s background in education. “Sheila ran a tight ship, but the students and staff were better off for it,” she said.

Dr. Demetrius McCall, Deputy Superintendent of Administrative Services, thanked all those involved that helped to make the Liles project possible, with emphasis on the Facilities Planning and Construction department, who took the brunt of the heavy lifting of this project. “As this project had its twists and turns, unforeseen circumstances of material delays, shortages and many other challenges, you all banned together and kept making adjustments to meet the expectation,” he said.?“ Although we still have some minor work to complete, this campus is ready to receive students and we are all grateful for your work.”

Members of the Goose Creek Masonic Lodge #1192 dedicated a cornerstone to the building in a special ceremony. Upon conclusion of the event, guests took part in a ribbon cutting, tour of the campus and received a meal by Foreign Policy, provided by Bartlett Cocke Construction.

Photo by Carrie Pryor-Newman

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