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Board approves $55.6 million total project cost for Robert E. Howard Elementary
Summary
The Orangeburg County School District Board on March 11 approved a $55,600,000 total project cost for the new Robert E. Howard Elementary School, including a $45,309,000 guaranteed maximum price (GMP) for construction.
The Orangeburg County School District Board on March 11 approved a $55,600,000 total project cost for the new Robert E. Howard Elementary School, including a $45,309,000 guaranteed maximum price (GMP) for construction.
District project managers and the construction manager told the board that the hard construction estimate has fallen from an earlier estimate of about $48.77 million to a $45.309 million GMP after refinements to the design and competitive subcontractor pricing. The board was also told the total project budget of $55.6 million includes approximately $10.29 million in non-construction costs and a construction contingency of $1.5 million. Presenters said the GMP includes a plan to address unfavorable soil conditions by installing rammed aggregate piers and noted the work is a commonly used foundation solution for projects with similar geotechnical conditions.
MB Con (construction manager) and the design team presented the final schedule and budget. The construction manager said the team reached the revised GMP by broadening subcontractor outreach and refining the drawings; the construction manager also reported that the scope includes more than 30% participation by minority- and women‑owned businesses.
Board members were given a schedule update: the team expects turnover of the completed school in December 2026. The board also heard project renderings showing the entry rotunda incorporating historical Wilkinson High School colors and interior designs for the reception area, cafeteria, gymnasium and media center.
A motion to approve the total project cost was moved and seconded during the meeting and carried. The board discussion included questions about the foundation approach and stormwater/retention features for the site.
The action authorizes the district to proceed under the GMP and budget presented to the board.
Ending: With the vote, district staff said they will proceed to finalize construction contracts and begin preparations for the construction phase described in the GMP presentation.
