FEMA estimates $916,000 to shore Spanishburg school; board told floodplain permit required

Miss Wellman, the district facilities representative, told the board that FEMA completed its initial claim for Spanishburg and reported a piling (peers) remediation estimate of $916,000. "That came in at $916,000," she said, and she emphasized that the figure does not include the gym floor and finishing work inside the building.

Wellman said FEMA asked the district to consult the county floodplain administrator, Keith Gano, and obtain any required floodplain permits before FEMA can proceed. "Our representative from FEMA wanted us before they will move any further on this project to meet with the floodplain administrator in our county, which is Keith Gano," she said. The facilities director also reported FEMA’s assessment that the site is effectively a floodway in practical terms, which limits mitigation options. "FEMA said there is really nothing we can do to mitigate that... it is a floodway, not just a flood plain," Wellman said.

Board members discussed possible structural measures and the cost‑effectiveness given the school’s size (reported enrollment: 159 students). The facilities staff advised that similar foundation and piling issues are expected at Princeton Primary and that comparable estimates may follow. The board asked staff to arrange a meeting with the county floodplain administrator and to report back with permitting requirements and options; President Prudich asked that the facilities director and superintendent meet with Mr. Gano and report findings to the board.

No final construction decision was made; the board discussed next steps, including the floodplain meeting and further cost clarification before committing to repair options or FEMA funding acceptance.