$50 Million Bond Issue to Fund Dougherty, Westover School Projects

Funds will go toward new construction, renovations, and security upgrades at two high schools and a public safety complex.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Dougherty County schools will receive $50 million in bond funding to finance construction and renovation projects at Westover and Dougherty High Schools, as well as a new public safety complex. The bond issue was approved by voters and will be paid back over 10 years through school tax collections.

Why it matters

The school system is aiming to provide students with safe, comfortable, and modern learning environments through these infrastructure upgrades, which include new academic buildings, health and physical education complexes, and enhanced security systems with facial recognition and weapons detection technology.

The details

The bond funding will go toward several key projects: a new health and physical education complex and three-story academic building at Westover High, renovations to the original Westover campus buildings, a new health and physical education complex at Dougherty High, and the conversion of the former Sylvandale Elementary into a public safety center. The school system also plans to update security systems across multiple campuses.

  • The Dougherty County Commission approved the bond issue earlier this month.
  • The bonds are to be paid back over 10 years through school tax collections.

The players

Ken Dyer

Dougherty County Schools Superintendent, overseeing the implementation of the bond-funded projects.

Dougherty County Commission

The county's taxing agent that approved the $50 million bond issue.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're going to do our best to provide sound stewardship and make sound investments to ensure students have a safe , comfortable and modern environment in which to learn.”

— Ken Dyer, Dougherty County Schools Superintendent (albanyherald.com)

What’s next

The school system plans to use any excess bond funds beyond the $50 million allocation for projects at Lake Park Elementary and Northside Elementary.

The takeaway

This bond issue represents a significant investment in upgrading Dougherty County's school infrastructure, focusing on modernizing facilities, enhancing security, and creating better learning environments for students across the district.