District updates bond‑program progress: 2019 closeouts, 2023 projects on track; neighbors press for more outreach on Ladies Island plan

District facilities staff delivered a multi‑item construction update at the July 8 board meeting covering the 2019 and 2023 bond referenda, project‑level progress and community outreach plans.

On the 2019 bond, staff reported 13 projects remain in closeout and a paid and committed total of $374,570,000; remaining available funds (including contingency) were also noted and staff described recent contingency activity including a small savings and roughly $1.3 million in contingency use for June. Staff said roughly $3.6 million was encumbered for remaining scopes such as playgrounds, athletics, security and technology work. For outstanding closeouts, staff said they have audited contractor records to expedite final pay applications.

Board members asked whether warranty items (for example at Robert Smalls Academy) affect closeout status. Staff clarified warranty repairs are handled separately from closeout; they noted several awnings removed by an unusual snow event were replaced after the warranty period. "That's a little different than closeout," a project staff member said, explaining how warranty work is triaged.

On the 2023 bond, staff reported projects are green for budget and schedule. Updates included May River Elementary (permit received, site prep scheduled), May River High School CTE/JROTC additions nearing rough‑in and a projected December turnover for portions of the CTE building, and schematic design work advancing for a new early learning center with pricing expected in August. Hilton Head Island High School's site work is described as ahead of schedule, and the Ladies Island Middle School replacement rezoning to industrial and campus classification was approved by the City of Beaufort and design development has begun.

Several board members and community representatives expressed concern that design changes to the Ladies Island Middle School — including building placement and perceived shifts from single‑ to two‑story massing — had not been communicated clearly and generated neighborhood unease. Staff said they plan to present the new designs to the School Improvement Council (SIC) and offered to schedule a separate public meeting to review the design and answer questions. "We'll be glad to have a separate public meeting if that's what you need," a project staffer said.

Board members also requested a discussion at the operations committee about procurement, material reuse and quality management across projects to ensure stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

What happens next: staff will continue closeout work on 2019 bond items, provide pricing and schedule updates for 2023 bond projects as design and pricing arrive, schedule targeted public outreach on Ladies Island design if requested, and prepare a quality‑management briefing for the operations committee.