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Richland 2 operations update: Spring Valley renovations open, field house and new classrooms highlighted

2119012 · January 16, 2025
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Summary

Chief of operations provided a bonds-and-capital-projects update, listing completed schools, projects under construction and design work. The Spring Valley High School renovations added a field house, weight room (Bates Hall) and eight classrooms converted from a multipurpose space.

The Richland School District 2 board on Jan. 14 received an operations update from Chief of Operations William Anderson covering completed bond projects, works in progress and projects in design.

Anderson told the board that completed projects since the district’s last quarterly update include Pontiac Elementary, the district performing-arts center, Blythewood Middle School and recent renovations at Spring Valley High School. "Since the bond passed, he asked, 'When are we starting? When are we starting?'" Anderson said, describing the Spring Valley work as among the district's major recent completions.

Anderson described four major areas of construction at Spring Valley: the Bates Hall weight and training facility, the Stern Field House (a large multipurpose space for cheer, wrestling and indoor practice with high ceilings), interior renovations that created more small-group and office space, and a converted multipurpose/warehouse space turned into eight new classrooms and a science room. Anderson said Spring Valley is one of the district’s largest schools, with nearly 2,300 students, and that adding eight classrooms is "a game changer."

He showed images of the new Stern Field House, locker rooms, concessions and a large weight room that opens onto Harry Perrin Stadium, and said there will be a formal field-house dedication; invitations will be sent to board members.

Anderson reported other project statuses: E.L. Wrighton Center for Knowledge is nearing final work, Rice Creek’s new gym and bus loop are opening (the bus loop will open the week after the Jan. 14 meeting), and Summit Parkway and CFI projects remain under construction. Projects currently in design include Lonnie B. Nelson, Westwood and Windsor, and a field-house is being finalized at Westwood High School.

He also flagged a typographical correction in the materials (a budget line for Longleaf listed an extra zero) and described inflation and supply pressures affecting construction statewide. "Our biggest concern right now is... concrete and stone," Anderson said, noting area manufacturing growth (including major employers) is driving high construction demand in the region.

Board members asked about facilities planning and timelines. Trustee Tameka Washington asked when the next facility study will be completed; Anderson said staff are finalizing the scope of work and will coordinate timing with other community developments and legislation before issuing the study request. Several trustees suggested a board tour of recent projects; Anderson and district staff said they would organize a board walkthrough and consider inviting local elected officials.

The board did not take separate formal action on the operations update; members thanked staff and asked for future tours and a dedication date for Spring Valley’s field house.