Savannah Classical Academy (SCA) is pleased to announce the addition of three new board members to its governing body. SCA is one of the top performing charter schools in the Savannah area, and it maintains its excellence by employing the best educators and attracting high quality board members. SCA welcomes Joy Key-Smith, Stephen Rilee, and Tonya Imus as the newest additions to the school’s board.

Joy Key-Smith is a distinguished educator who dedicated 30 years to the local public school system, most notably leading the Gifted and Advanced Learning Program. An alumna of Georgia Southern University and Valdosta State University, she holds advanced degrees in Reading Education and Educational Leadership. Though retired from full-time service, she continues to mentor peers as a Teacher Support Specialist, balancing her enduring professional legacy with a deep devotion to her family and grandson.

Stephen Rilee is the Managing Director of Waters Capital Partners, a Savannah-based family investment office where he oversees a diverse portfolio spanning commercial real estate, private equity, and fixed income. A summa cum laude graduate of the University of Georgia, he also holds an MBA with a finance concentration from UNC-Chapel Hill, where he was inducted into the Beta Gamma Sigma business honor society. Beyond his professional leadership, Stephen is deeply committed to the Savannah community, serving on the board of The Savannah Community Foundation and as the treasurer for Christ Church Episcopal.

Tonya Imus is the Workforce Development Specialist for Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield, where she leverages three decades of experience to lead civilian professional development. An Army veteran and former broadcast journalist, she has spent her career supporting military families through social services and by creating emergency training programs used across the Army. Tonya holds a master’s in educational psychology from Capella University and is an active community volunteer and parent at Savannah Classical Academy.

“SCA is committed to creating and maintaining the best learning environment possible for our students,” said SCA Chief Executive Officer Barry Lollis. “SCA is excited about the experience and skillset offered by our board members and I could not be happier to welcome Joy, Stephen, and Tonya.”    

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​SCA is the only K-12 school charter school which is open to all students residing in Chatham County and is funded with public funds as provided by a charter that allows it to operate autonomously under a board of parents and community members. It is the philosophy of Savannah Classical Academy that all students benefit from a rigorous, content-rich, educational program that develops academic potential and personal character. Significant superior scoring and the recent accolades in being named a Literacy Leader and Math Leader demonstrate the excellent results of this approach. The school provides an environment that fosters academic excellence through the habits of thoroughness, the willingness to work, and the perseverance to complete difficult tasks. Through a defined traditional, classical curriculum, students are prepared to become active, responsible members of their community. The school is open to all students living in Chatham County via a lottery. For more information about Savannah Classical Academy, please visit www.savannahclassicalacademy.org.