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Anson County Schools: Construction near completion but occupancy, traffic plans remain uncertain
Summary
District leaders said construction of the new Anson County Middle School may reach substantial completion in November, but occupancy will depend on state inspections, punch-list work and IT readiness; officials outlined a buses-only access road and asked DOT to study traffic options including a roundabout and left-turn lane.
Anson County Schools officials told the board on Monday that construction of the new middle school is moving toward substantial completion but that students likely will not occupy the building immediately after the contractor finishes work.
"The short answer for the completion date is November," Chairman Truman said, adding that final occupancy depends on state plumbing, electrical, HVAC and general inspections that will generate a punch list and require contractor corrections before final payment and turnover.
A board member pushed for a realistic timeline, saying conversations with the construction team and contractors (Leitner and Pinnacle) make a December completion — and full readiness in January — "very improbable." The board member also noted earlier targets had moved from August to September to November during project discussions.
Officials flagged logistics and safety issues the district must still resolve before students move in. Truman described a buses-only access road that will connect the new middle school and the high school on school property to reduce congestion: "This plan will greatly relieve the congestion on Anson High School Road." He said funding for the access road "is in hand" and that the district hopes to use Golden Leaf money for the work.
The superintendent and Dr. Ratliff will attend an upcoming county commissioners meeting to discuss project-related needs and budget priorities, Truman said. Other outstanding items include furniture (contract allowances may revert to the district if unused), final grading and top-dressing of athletic fields, installation of fencing and lighting, and relocating or replacing a JROTC live‑ammunition rifle range for student safety.
On sixth-grade placement, Truman said the new building does not include a sixth-grade wing and that returning sixth graders to the middle school would require a board vote; "there is not much sentiment on the board at this time to do so," he added.
Next steps: staff will request DOT studies of traffic flow near the campus (including feasibility of a roundabout and left-turn lane), finalize punch-list and inspections with the architect and general contractor, and continue budget conversations with county leaders.
(Provenance: presentation and Q&A on the new middle school, SEG 121–SEG 458)
