2023 bond program about 80% committed; Ambicon missed Hilton Head High substantial completion

The Beaufort County School District reported significant progress on projects funded by the 2023 bond referendum, with $355,100,000 paid and committed—about 80% of the program—and $83,940,000 remaining in available funds, including contingency. "Right now, we're currently reporting a paid and committed funds of $355,100,000. That's about 80% of the program," Augustine Vargas (speaker 1) told the board during the construction update.

Vargas flagged Hilton Head Island High School phase 1A with a yellow status after contractor Ambicon failed to achieve substantial completion on June 19; Vargas said Ambicon had a deadline (the following Friday) to achieve completion or face liquidated damages and that a final inspection by the state fire marshal was scheduled. "They have a deadline of this Friday to achieve that substantial completion. Otherwise, we will go after them for the liquidated damages for that project," he said. The update also covered multiple active projects (May River Elementary, Bluffton High CTE, Lady's Island Middle School) and upcoming ribbon-cutting/groundbreaking planning.