Matrix Construction continues its longstanding partnership with Lead Academy Public Charter School through a recent contribution supporting the school’s electric bus initiative, an investment that is already making a meaningful difference for students and families. This latest effort reflects Matrix Construction’s commitment not only to building high-quality educational facilities, but also to supporting the communities those spaces serve. The company previously completed major work for Lead Academy, including a 47,000+ square-foot, multi-story facility, followed by a 17,500-square-foot gymnasium and classroom addition. The expansion features a fully ADA-compliant gymnasium, stage and performance systems, classrooms, a choir room, offices, and a new playground —spaces designed to enhance both learning and student life.
“From the initial build to continued support initiatives like this, our goal is to contribute to environments where students can succeed both inside and outside the classroom,” said Hew King, president and co-founder of Matrix Construction. “We believe in the bigger picture, what we build and how we give back should ultimately improve lives.”
While these physical spaces have played a vital role in the school’s growth, Matrix Construction recognizes that access and opportunity extend beyond the building itself.
“I am a parent of a child at Lead Academy in Mauldin,” shared Tiffany Prasertkul. “While we do not rely on the bus for transportation, we know so many students do. There have been many canceled field trips and other events simply because the school did not have a working bus. The bus situation has been critical for years. I am so thankful to Matrix Construction for making a donation so that the school is able to have consistent, reliable transportation not only to school and home, but also for field trips and sporting events. Thank you for pouring into our community and providing opportunities for our students to stay engaged in their learning environment.”
Lead Academy serves approximately 390 students in grades Kindergarten through 8th, supported by a dedicated staff of 50 educators and administrators. Their goal is to learn by doing and learn from experts, which is done through field trips. Unreliable transportation has made transportation a struggle, with many field trips cancelled in the past few years. As a public charter school, Lead operates with less funding than traditional public schools, yet works to meet the needs of a diverse student population. Transportation is a critical part of that support. Lead must independently fund services like busing, which many students rely on daily. Fully funding these new buses would ensure that students from across Greenville are out in their community, serving and learning in the real world.
The school’s electric bus initiative was launched to address long-standing transportation challenges, including frequent breakdowns of aging diesel buses that have caused missed school days, delays, and even canceled field trips, four in the past month alone. After identifying the need for replacement over the past three years, Lead Academy was awarded a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2025 to replace two diesel buses with two new electric buses, helping bring the vision within reach.
“This grant marks a transformational step forward for Lead Academy, allowing us to replace unreliable diesel buses with dependable, modern electric transportation for our students,” said Sarah Kelley, Lead Academy board chair. “This will ensure they have safe, reliable transportation to fully participate in every opportunity our school provides. With expanded access to field trips and real-world learning experiences, these new electric buses will open doors beyond the classroom while also supporting a healthier environment for their future.”
Once fully funded, the initiative will allow the school to provide consistent, free transportation for approximately 50 students each day while also supporting more reliable access to extracurricular activities and learning experiences. The new 2026 Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley EV buses seat 72 students and are expected to arrive on campus by the end of the calendar year. Lead Academy will also become the first charter school in the Upstate to operate electric buses, an important milestone in both sustainability and student support.
Matrix Construction views projects like Lead Academy as more than construction milestones. They are opportunities to create lasting impact. By pairing thoughtful design and construction with ongoing philanthropic support, the company aims to help schools not only function, but thrive.
“Our new buses aren’t just transportation, they’re opportunities on wheels,” said Curtis Baker, Principal of Lead Academy. “They open the door for learning beyond the classroom through more field trips, real world experiences, and lasting memories for our students."
As Lead Academy continues to grow, Matrix Construction remains honored to be part of its journey, helping ensure that students have the resources, spaces, and opportunities they need to succeed.
To complete the project, the school is continuing to fundraise, with approximately $14,000 remaining for the buses and an additional $40,000 needed to install electric charging stations. For more information about supporting Lead Academy’s electric bus initiative, contact Sarah Mitchell, director of Development at Lead Academy Public Charter School, at smitchell@myleadacademy.com.
Visit https://myleadacademy.charityproud.org/Donate to donate and join Matrix Construction in helping bring reliable, sustainable transportation to Lead students.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here