Whitehaven, October 7, 2025
News Summary
The Whitehaven STEM Center is set to open, but community leaders are expressing concerns over funding transparency and the reduced size of the facility. Originally designed to be 25,000 square feet, the final project measures only 20,000 square feet. Questions have arisen regarding the funding shortfall, as initial estimates of $9.5 million have dwindled to $7.9 million reported on the construction permit. Local leaders demand clarity and documentation before the ribbon-cutting ceremony, emphasizing the need for community engagement in educational projects.
Whitehaven, Tennessee – Concerns Arise Over Funding and Size of New Whitehaven STEM Center Before Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
The Whitehaven STEM Center, an anticipated educational facility in Whitehaven, is nearing final preparations for its ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for October 8. However, community leaders are raising significant concerns regarding the transparency of its funding and the size of the building. While the original design promised a 25,000-square-foot facility, the completed project measures only 20,000 square feet.
The financing for the STEM Center was initially projected to amount to approximately $9.5 million. However, the construction permit currently indicates around $7.9 million has been accounted for. Eddie S. Jones Jr., chairman of the Whitehaven Leadership Council, has voiced questions about the status of the remaining funds, emphasizing the need for clarity regarding financial transactions.
In response to the financial inquiries, attorney Richard Myers, the project’s owner, explained that inflation has impacted the design decisions, yet asserted that no funds are missing. Myers reported that $9.2 million has been collected for the project, with an additional $300,000 still pending from various sources.
Funding for the STEM Center has been a collaborative effort, with half sourced from private donors and the remainder from city, county, and Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) contributions. However, community leaders demand comprehensive documentation on the allocation of funds prior to the ribbon-cutting.
Engagement and Transparency Issues
A letter from MSCS Board Member Keith Williams has surfaced, articulating concerns regarding a lack of community engagement in the decision-making process related to the project. Moreover, former school board chair Rev. Althea Greene has highlighted the critical need for transparency and accountability in managing projects of this nature.
The construction of the STEM Center has not been without challenges, as additional costs incurred for incorporating a storm shelter into the facility may have contributed to the current financial confusion. Memphis-Shelby County Schools had previously committed $2.3 million to the construction of the center, which is designed to equip Whitehaven High School students with state-of-the-art science laboratories and technology.
Future of STEM Education
The new STEM Center is expected to play a vital role in enhancing educational opportunities for local students. Former Whitehaven graduate James Herbert, a benefactor of the project, has underscored the importance of STEM education in inspiring future generations and preparing them for the challenges of a rapidly evolving job market.
As the countdown to the official opening of the Whitehaven STEM Center continues, the community remains focused on ensuring that necessary financial and operational transparency is prioritized, fostering trust and collaboration among stakeholders.
FAQ
What is the size of the completed Whitehaven STEM Center?
The completed project is only 20,000 square feet while the original design promised a 25,000-square-foot center.
How much funding was originally projected for the Whitehaven STEM Center?
The project was supposed to cost about $9.5 million.
What concerns do community leaders have regarding the funding?
Community leaders express concerns regarding funding transparency, especially questioning the whereabouts of the remaining funds after reports indicate only $7.9 million on the construction permit.
Did inflation impact the project funding?
Yes, attorney Richard Myers stated that inflation affected the design changes for the STEM Center.
What is the expected impact of the STEM Center on education?
The STEM Center is intended to provide state-of-the-art science laboratories and technology for Whitehaven High School students, enhancing educational opportunities in the field of STEM.
Key Features of the Whitehaven STEM Center
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 20,000 square feet (originally 25,000 square feet projected) |
| Total Cost | $9.5 million (approximately $7.9 million reported on permit) |
| Collected Funding | $9.2 million with $300,000 still outstanding |
| Funding Sources | Private donors, city, county, Memphis-Shelby County Schools |
| MSCS Contribution | $2.3 million |
| Purpose | Provide state-of-the-art science laboratories and technology for Whitehaven High School students |
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Additional Resources
- Fox13 Memphis: Questions Abound Over Whitehaven STEM Center’s Size & Cost
- Local Memphis: Groundbreaking for $9 Million State-of-the-Art STEM Center
- Action News 5: Whitehaven STEM Lab Moving Forward with Second Groundbreaking
- WREG: Whitehaven High School Breaks Ground on New STEM Building
- Wikipedia: STEM Education
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