Libertas Academy Charter School Annexation

At a glance

What: Ordinance 2026-20 annexes about 13.16 acres owned by Lean Road LLC (part of tax map 5039-16-84-8206) as Office Institutional with a commercial future land use, for a proposed Libertas Academy public charter school.
Where it stands: Passed 5-2 on August 10, 2026. Mayor Talbert and Councilwoman Searcy opposed. Rainey moved and Fedder seconded.
School: Public charter, classical model, 4K through eighth grade, no tuition, lottery if oversubscribed, open to eligible students statewide.

Steve Hubrick, developer and contractor, estimated improvements at over $1 million: turn lanes and signal upgrades, a rebuilt driveway, a regional sewer pump station, and an eight-inch water line along Highway 153. The state transportation department approved the traffic assessment subject to the improvements; on-site queuing is about 4,000 feet against about 3,500 required.
Representatives said annexation brings City water and sewer service. The state may fund a school resource officer if the school is annexed.

State funding and effects on Pickens County district schools, including students possibly returning after eighth grade.
Whether the City would get tax revenue from the school while providing police and fire protection, and consistency with other annexation decisions.
Supporters noted school choice and spending by visiting families.

Passed 5-2 after Mr. Hubrick described the improvements.

Applicant presentation and Council questions on buses, enrollment, funding and utilities.