Board authorizes design phase for Southwood restroom upgrades and accessibility work

Anderson School District 5 trustees authorized staff to advance design work to explore restroom renovations and accessibility upgrades at Southwood School, using under‑used locker areas to increase restroom capacity.

Wes Grant presented conceptual drawings showing converting unused locker space into additional restroom fixtures on upper and lower levels and noted the work would require plumbing upgrades to meet current codes. Grant said the project intent is to improve dated facilities and bring restroom plumbing up to current accessibility standards. He and staff advised that if the project adds fixtures or changes occupant loads, the work could trigger requirements to meet the current International Building/Plumbing Code adopted by South Carolina.

Trustees asked whether existing fixture counts met day‑to‑day use and whether construction could be scheduled to limit disruption; staff said they would plan major work around the end of the school year and testing windows to minimize classroom interruptions. Trustees also discussed budgeting: capital projects funding from local option sales tax (not the general fund) would be the expected funding source.

After discussion, a trustee moved that the board “approve moving forward with the project in logical steps, starting the next design phase.” The motion was seconded, members voted by show of hands and the board approved proceeding with design and further cost development. One trustee abstained, citing lack of clarity on the motion’s details; staff said they would return with a full design and cost package for formal approval.