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Saint James Elementary replacement remains on schedule for August 2028 despite roughly 6% cost increase
Summary
District capital‑projects staff told the Facilities Committee the Saint James Elementary replacement remains on track for an August 2028 opening, but is tracking about a 6% cost increase (approximately $4 million); final costs are expected in September and the district plans to issue the phase‑3 GMP by November.
District capital‑projects staff reported to the Horry County Schools Facilities Committee that the Saint James Elementary replacement project is on schedule for an August 2028 opening, but that the project is tracking a roughly 6% increase over the original 2023 budget.
The presenter told the committee the work will proceed in phases, with phase 1 beginning as soon as school is out in June and including modular classrooms, demolition of old portables and establishment of the construction zone. ‘‘Phase 3 is scheduled to begin in January ’27 and starts the building pad and vertical construction,’’ the presenter said. He added, ‘‘Our schedule for the project is on track for school opening date of August 2028.’’
The update gave timing and budget context for the remainder of the project. The presenter said phase‑1 GMP is complete and phase‑2 GMP should be finalized within about a month; the main guaranteed maximum price for the building and off‑site roadwork will be phase 3. He told the committee the team expects to finalize all project costs in September and aims to issue the final contract in November to stay on the planned construction schedule.
On costs, the presenter said the district is ‘‘currently tracking about a 6% cost increase over the original budget from 2023, or about $4,000,000.’’ He cited construction‑related increases in materials and labor and rising fuel prices as contributing factors. During the committee’s question and answer, Superintendent Cliff Jones said it was important to receive a finalized budget for the board and the public; the presenter responded that the finalized budget should come in September and that phases 1 and 2 are already issued. When Jones asked whether the escalations had impacted the timeline, the presenter said they had not and that the project remains on schedule.
The committee did not take formal action on the project at the meeting. Staff said demolition of the old school will occur after the new facility is operational and that residual capital project funds and, if needed, sales‑tax proceeds could be available to address funding gaps. Staff also said they would return in September/October with the final cost details for the board to review.
