The future of education in Valdosta was on display Tuesday during the dedication of W.G. Nunn Elementary School.

Demolition of the old school paved the way for the new 130,156 square foot facility which opened its doors to students in August.

Principal Gary Mims said the old building had a lot of good memories and a lot of good times but a school was more than a facility.

“It’s not the building that makes the school, it’s the people that work in it,” he said.

The facility has 69 classrooms that can hold 1,125 children.

The current enrollment at W.G. Nunn is 1,090 for Pre-K through fifth grade.

Board Chairman Ricky Rowe said the $15 million worth of demolition and construction would not have been possible without SPLOST dollars.

“The board couldn’t afford it,” he said. “Tax payers couldn’t afford it.”

Director of Operations Bill Aldrich said the faculty at W.G. Nunn was one of his favorites, one because they needed him and two because they stayed out of his way while the project was underway.

J. Glenn Gregory Architects and T.Q. Constructors Inc. from Metter, Ga. designed and built the facility.

Aldrich said W.G. Nunn Elementary School was the sixth building, plus the stadium renovations, the school has built in the last 12 years.

Before inviting everyone to the Media Center for what Mims called “fellowship and food,” Superintendent Dr. Bill Cason lead those in attendance in a Service of Dedication.

Bill and Sally Nunn were on hand to see the new school bearing Bill’s father’s name.

“I think he would be very proud and very honored,” Nunn said. “He cared so much about children’s education.”

After the program, guests were invited to tour the facility which has four classroom wings, a media center, gymnasium and library.