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New middle school moving ahead; board raises DOT egress, turn-lane concerns and asks for further review
Summary
District and contractor updated the board on the new middle school’s construction progress and schedule, with facilities staff saying main site work is on budget and substantial completion is targeted before January 2026. Board members and the district safety officer asked DOT to re-examine turn-lane and egress recommendations after a March feasibility study said traffic did not justify earlier proposals.
Mister Baker presented an update on the new Anson County middle school project, showing aerial photos and progress slides that, according to his presentation, reflect finished fine grading, building pads (including the future sixth-grade wing), installed domestic water and fire lines, and work starting on roofing for the gym and other areas.
Baker told the board the site’s wet areas had been mitigated and that the project remained on budget; he said rough access roads and an access drive to the bus parking lot are in the plan and that crew parking and other site logistics are in place. He described a secured vestibule at the main entrance so visitors must pass through the administration area before entering the school.
Board members asked specific questions about infrastructure: Baker said plumbing stubs exist for future external restrooms and locker-room hookups, field dimensions are middle-school regulation (not high school), and gym seating capacity was roughly "800-something" (Baker offered to verify that estimate). He also said kitchen appliances will be all new and that staff training with manufacturers will be scheduled once equipment is installed.
Separately, the district’s safety officer, Corey Ross, reported follow-up with members of the original feasibility team about turn lanes and a possible roundabout. Ross said several members of the team are willing to meet to discuss alternative options. Ross and the chair noted a March feasibility study concluded traffic flow did not justify previously proposed expansion work; the chair warned a recommended 45-minute staggered start/dismissal between middle and high schools would create unacceptable travel-time impacts for some Anson High School students and asked staff to request further study or alternative solutions from DOT that reflect district needs.
Baker said the schedule targets final completion before January 2026, weather permitting; he said it is unlikely the project would finish by December but expressed confidence in the current budget and mitigation of the wet-site challenges.
The board scheduled further budget and timeline review at the upcoming April 14 budget work session.
