Sandersville School

Sandersville - Washington County
c. 1939

The Story

Constructed in 1939 as part of the Public Works Administration, the Sandersville High School was designed by William J.J. Chase, a noted Georgia architect. The single-story, red brick building originally housed the town’s high school, elementary school, administration offices, library and 600-seat auditorium. In 1960, a new county-wide high school was completed and Sandersville High School officially became Sandersville Elementary School, housing grades 1-8.

The Threat

The building was vacated in 2008, and since then, neglect, a lack of maintenance and potential vandalism has continued to threaten the building. Additionally, extensive damage occurred during the winter of 2014 due to a pipe that froze and burst. A cooperative effort between the State Property Commission, the Board of Education, local government and concerned citizens gathered some momentum to rehabilitate the building to serve as a community center, but a concrete plan for this remains elusive. The Georgia Trust will help formulate such a plan.

Disclaimer: The Georgia Trust does not own nor has any direct involvement with this historic site. The Trust’s involvement is limited to listing it on our Places in Peril list to bring awareness to it.