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Facilities committee approves modular-classroom moves and authorizes $950,000 for Waccamaw Elementary pod
Summary
Committee approved relocating dozens of modular classrooms for renovation and growth, including a $950,000 allocation to move a 10-classroom pod to Waccamaw Elementary; motion passed Nov. 18 and staff said planning will begin immediately.
The Erie County Board of Education facilities committee on Nov. 18 authorized the relocation of modular classrooms to support renovation projects and near-term growth and approved a $950,000 capital allocation to relocate a 10-classroom pod to Waccamaw Elementary.
Facilities staff outlined the plan for the 2025–26 school year: move 24 modular classrooms from Carolina Forest Elementary and River Oaks Elementary to Carolina Forest High for renovation needs; move 22 modulars to Myrtle Beach High to support that school's renovation; and relocate a 10-classroom pod (including restrooms) from Ocean Bay Elementary to Waccamaw Elementary to replace five aging portables and add capacity for growth.
"Our budget for that would be $950,000 for next year, and we have that in our 2024–25 capital improvement fund," facilities staff member Mr. Birch said. He added that executing the plan would leave the fund with just over $1 million for the fiscal year and that other modular-related expenses may come from undesignated reserves or be brought back to the board in January or February for additional approval.
Staff said they will set fire-lane access at the Waccamaw site to allow for additional modulars in the future if needed, and that some leased modulars at Ocean Bay, Carolina Forest Elementary and River Oaks Elementary would be returned once they are no longer needed. Staff also noted an outstanding state approval challenge for a four-classroom science modular being considered for purchase for Carolina Forest High.
James Edwards moved that the committee proceed with moving the 10 modular classrooms to Waccamaw Elementary; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Mr. Birch said planning had already started and would continue in coordination with Learning Services and Finance to finalize enrollment forecasts and staffing.
The committee's approval covers committee-level spending from the capital fund; staff said additional relocations or purchases beyond this scope would require full-board approval. Planning and lease-return decisions will return to the committee for further authorization as needed.
