Lexington 1 board authorizes up to $280,000 to replace River Bluff High press‑box wing walls

The Lexington County School District One board voted to allocate up to $280,000 of 2018 bond referendum funds to expand the scope of a previously approved River Bluff High School press‑box repair project.

Mister Cooper, facilities project lead, presented two structural options to the board. Option 1 would add lateral stabilization to the existing masonry wing walls; the district’s structural engineer said that approach would improve stability but could not guarantee elimination of future movement. Option 2 would remove the masonry wing walls, install a lighter steel frame with X‑bracing and supplemental foundation work, and — in the engineer’s assessment — virtually eliminate future movement. The board was shown budget estimates and engineering letters describing the tradeoffs between cost and long‑term certainty.

Board member Julie Shealy moved to amend the previously approved scope to allow removal of the wing walls; after discussion and a clarifying amendment the board approved authorization of up to $280,000 total, which includes previously allocated funds. The motion was seconded and carried. Board members and staff clarified that the figures are budget estimates, not final contractor bids, and that the work would be timed to avoid conflicts with primary field sports seasons; project officials estimated a one‑to‑one‑and‑a‑half month construction window once work begins.

Supporters on the board argued removal and steel replacement reduce long‑term risk to public safety and ongoing maintenance costs. Questions focused on demolition and disposal costs for masonry, crane and steel erection costs, contingency allowances, and whether the site could remain open for some events during construction. The structural engineer explained that heavy masonry wing walls had compacted underlying soils over time and that removing those loads while installing a lighter steel system reduces settlement risk and wind shear effects.

The board recorded the action as an amendment to the River Bluff press‑box project and authorized staff to move forward within the approved amount; staff said they would seek firm contractor estimates and return if additional appropriation were required.

The board also noted the decision was taken with spectator and student safety as a primary consideration and that the project schedule will aim to complete major work during offseason windows.

What happens next: staff will obtain formal contractor cost proposals and finalize the procurement and construction schedule. The board’s authorization caps district spending on the revised scope at $280,000 unless it later votes to increase that limit.