Bamberg board tables plan to move sixth grade after bids exceed funds and gym emergency

The Bamberg County School District Board of Trustees voted Feb. 3 to table consideration of moving sixth grade to the middle school until at least August 2025 after staff reported construction bids above the district’s available facilities funds and an emergent gym-floor repair that will compete for the same money.

Administration reported that architectural and construction offers for adding space to move sixth grade came in significantly higher than anticipated, with bids described during the meeting as starting above $4 million and reaching roughly $8.7 million. Administrators said the district no longer had the approximately $3 million in facilities funds it had expected because of a separate, pressing repair: the high-school gym floor at Denmar had buckled and required structural inspection and replacement. Engineers removed the gym surface to inspect conditions beneath; the district was informed insurance will not cover the replacement.

Staff presented alternative options, including modular classroom units (portables). One vendor’s purchase price was listed at $598,000 plus roughly $100,000 for delivery, ADA decking and ramps, bringing the modular option near or just under $700,000 before other costs. Board members raised concerns about moving students into portables where possible alternatives exist and emphasized returning to the board with energy-assessment results and potential external funding.

An energy-assessment firm recognized by the state was scheduled to visit to determine whether energy-savings financing could help fund projects; administration said a written report would arrive within weeks. After hearing the budgetary constraints and safety-critical gym repairs, a board member moved to table the matter for at least six months; the motion carried with no opposition.