Board approves Warner Construction bid for Mountain Ridge Primary; adds HVAC controls and six classrooms

The Berkeley County Board of Education approved a construction contract with Warner Construction for the new Mountain Ridge Primary School and accepted two alternates: (1) matching district HVAC controls and (2) six additional classrooms.

Board materials showed Warner Construction as the apparent low bidder. The base bid for a 24‑classroom primary school was listed at $23,593,700. The board also approved an alternate to standardize HVAC controls (listed as alternate 1) and an alternate 2 that would add six classrooms for an additional $1,383,200, bringing the project scope and cost higher than the district’s original December budget allocations.

The board discussion noted several site‑work items that remain to be finalized: a pending water‑pressure analysis that may require pumps or storage to meet fire‑suppression requirements, and a traffic‑impact study on Route 51 to determine whether a turning lane or other road improvements will be required for school traffic. Presenters said the planned roadwork would be designed to serve the primary, the adjacent intermediate/middle campus and potential future high‑school access on the same property.

Board members discussed projected enrollment, the Preston Smith demographic study and whether to include the six‑classroom alternate now or add capacity later. Supporters of the alternate cited the long‑term cost and service life of permanent classrooms versus portables; others said the district’s remaining bond projects (including the Falling Waters project) also need funds. After discussion the board approved the Warner Construction contract with base bid and the alternates as presented.

The board will return to outstanding site issues (water pressure, traffic improvements) during the construction kickoff and coordinate needed change orders if utilities or road work require additional work.