JEDA Financing Empowers Opening of Gates School in Charleston

Posted on November 16, 2021 - News, Success Story

North Charleston, SC — Charleston County

Gates School is using a $5,305,000 Educational Facilities Revenue Bond issue through the South Carolina Jobs-Economic Development Authority (JEDA) to finance the new public charter school’s campus in North Charleston.

The 1st – 5th grades charter school for students with dyslexia and related reading challenges opened in August 2021, currently with 16 employees at 5010 Wetland Crossing Road in a former Strayer University building near Charleston International Airport. The school plans to incorporate kindergarten during the school’s fifth year of operation.

“We’re just delighted to be at this point. Thanks to JEDA bond financing, we’ve been able to make the most of this opportunity to help hundreds of students who have learning challenges and endless potential.”
— Stephanie Sams, the school’s Founding Board Chair

“Working with the Gates School has been a privilege, and we’re looking forward to seeing the progress they make as they provide such invaluable educational opportunities to children and families in our community,” said Alan Linkous, Bond Counsel at Howell Linkous & Nettles in Charleston.

“JEDA is delighted to be able to help the Gates School take advantage of such favorable lending terms to bring to reality its vision for serving this special population of young learners,” said Harry A. Huntley, CPA, Executive Director of JEDA in Columbia.