ORANGEBURG, SC – On Tuesday, June 25, leadership from the Willie Jeffries School of Excellence (WJSE) and the Berkeley Charter Education Association (BCEA) hosted an official Groundbreaking Ceremony to celebrate the beginning of Phase 1 of the construction project for their new school.
Special guests included the legendary Coach Willie Jeffries, Founding Principal Dr. Fabien McGill, Orangeburg Country Council Chairman Johnnie Wright Sr., Senator Brad Hutto, BCEA Board Chair Dr. Stewart Weinberg, Charter Institute at Erskine Superintendent Cameron Runyan, and other local dignitaries. Future students at the school were also in attendance.
“What an exciting day for our community, but most importantly, the children of Orangeburg,” said Dr. McGill. “Because when it comes down to it, they are what this is all about. Today is not just a celebration for the groundbreaking. It’s a celebration of the limitless opportunities that this one building will provide for generations for years to come.”
Football legend Coach Willie Jeffries partnered with the Berkeley Charter Education Association to bring a new public educational option to the Orangeburg community. With a strong focus on academics, school culture, and community, students who attend the Willie Jeffries School of Excellence will receive a tuition-free, world-class education. WJSE will serve students in grades K-6 this fall and will add a grade level each year until it reaches K-8 at full matriculation.
“This school, this leadership, this community – they’re special,” said Stewart Weinberg, Board Chair of BCEA. “The excitement surrounding the Willie Jeffries School of Excellence is palpable, and it’s been a blessing to watch this school grow from an idea, to now, a shovel in the dirt. Berkeley Charter Education Association eagerly awaits WJSE’s opening, and I can’t wait to see the incredible things that come from this school.”
The school site is located at the intersection of US-301 and Roquemore Drive. The construction for WJSE is a two-phase project. The initial phase involves the installation of temporary modular classrooms directly on the campus grounds. This allows for uninterrupted student learning while essential groundwork, like roads and infrastructure, is thoroughly laid out. Phase two involves construction of the permanent, state-of-the-art school building.
WJSE is a public, tuition-free charter school currently enrolling grades K-6. To learn more about Willie Jeffries School of Excellence, visit www.wjschool.org. To give to their campaign, visit https://wjschool.org/campaign/.
