POOLER, Ga. (WSAV) — The City of Pooler and Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) called a meeting on Monday to discuss the $170M E-SPLOST funding that could improve and create educational facilities. “Before I was on council, I was what they call a resident advocate,” Pooler Mayor Karen Williams said.  “And the residents asked me, ‘why don't we have our own high school?’ I could not answer that.” Williams said that she hopes she can answer that question soon with ‘yes, a new high school is on the list’ for next E-SPLOST resolution. If approved by voters, $735M will go towards renovations and new construction for schools throughout the district, including the creation of a new K-8 school by combining West Chatham Elementary and Middle Schools.  There are also discussions of an athletic facility on the same site. The current high school serving the area, New Hampstead, is currently over capacity. Leaders assists during disorder at Claxton youth detention center “It became crystal clear that we had to have a solution to a growing western Chatham County, specifically in the Pooler area,” SCCPSS Superintendent Dr. Denise Watts said. “And so, I would say this was probably one of the top priorities for me as I transitioned into my role as superintendent” Willaims said she hopes the board will consider transforming the new high school into a STEAM school. STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. $9.6M in renovations for Pooler Elementary, which was built in 1949, is also in the proposal. “The initial investment laid the foundation for education for decades,” Williams said. “But this new investment at Pooler Elementary honors our community's educational foundation, respects our community-based history and paves the way for a brighter future.” City leaders said the impact of this investment could shape Pooler for the next 75 years. “I would like to state that this is just the beginning of historic investments in Pooler,” Williams said. “Together, we're building a brighter future in our city,  one that we can all be proud of.  Just wait and see.” According to the city, these developments aim to address Pooler’s rapid growth, ensuring that the schools in West Chatham are prepared for the future. The public will have a chance to vote on March 18.