News Summary

The Aiken County Board of Education has authorized over $90 million for construction projects at five local schools aimed at improving educational facilities. Key upgrades include a new multi-purpose room, renovations to auditoriums, and the development of a new athletics complex featuring various sports facilities. These projects are funded through a combination of sales tax proceeds and bonds, reflecting the board’s commitment to enhancing learning environments and supporting student development.

Aiken – The Aiken County Board of Education has approved over $90 million for extensive construction projects at five local schools, following a meeting on June 24. The funding is aimed at enhancing facilities and providing better educational environments for students.

The approved construction projects will take place at J.D. Lever Elementary, North Augusta Middle, Wagener-Salley High, North Augusta High, and Belvedere Elementary. To support these initiatives, the board will utilize multiple funding sources. These include proceeds from a 1-cent sales tax that was passed by voters in 2014, a bond referendum from 2018, and bonds that will be issued against expected proceeds from another 1-cent sales tax approved for 2024.

Major Construction Highlights

One of the key projects involves the construction of a new multi-purpose room designed for physical education and various activities. This facility will be approximately the size of half a basketball court and will also include restrooms, storage, and an office. The budget for this room is set at $2.2 million, and plans will be orchestrated by Method Works Architecture.

Another significant aspect of the construction projects involves operations managed by Goodwyn Mills Cawood, which will handle design development for projects that include demolishing portions of existing school buildings, constructing additions, and relocating athletic fields. This segment of the projects boasts a budget of $52 million.

New Athletics Complex

A new athletics complex will also be developed, with plans designed by McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture. The complex will feature multiple sports facilities, such as:

A softball field
A baseball field
A football field
A middle school football practice field
A community park
A band practice field
Concessions and support structures

The overall budget for this athletics complex is $15.65 million.

Renovations and Additional Projects

Additionally, significant renovations and expansions to the schools’ auditoriums have been allocated a budget of $10.58 million, with McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture overseeing this phase as well. For Belvedere Elementary, plans for a new kitchen, cafeteria, and multipurpose room have been approved and will cost around $9.89 million, with Cheatham Fletcher Scott Architects spearheading this effort.

Context and Background

The funding for these projects illustrates the Aiken County Board of Education’s ongoing commitment to improving educational facilities and enhancing the learning environment for its students. With Corey Murphy serving as the superintendent of the Aiken County Public School District, and board members Deborah Tyler and Brian Silas having participated in the recent meeting, the guidance and oversight of local educational leaders remain pivotal in turning these projects into reality.

By addressing the pressing needs of the schools and investing in infrastructure, the Aiken County Board of Education aims to provide an improved educational experience for its students, ensuring their physical, emotional, and social development is well-supported.

Community members and stakeholders are expected to benefit from the enhancements which promote not just academic pursuits but also extracurricular and recreational activities.

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Aiken County Board Approves $90 Million for School Upgrades