Board Approves Irmo, Dutch Fork High Phase I Plans

The Lexington-Richland 5 board on Monday approved proceeding with the first phase of projects at Irmo and Dutch Fork high schools with a total budget of $4.8 million.

Six board members voted to approve the plans that district officials say will address traffic and parking, create a new student drop off route and redefine entry points onto campus.

Board member Kim Murphy voted against the motion to approve the plans.

Murphy, who said she wasn't against the projects, had concerns about the budget and wanted more time to discuss the plans.

Phase I plans at Irmo are budgeted for $1,450,000 while Dutch Fork's budget is $3,350,000.

A copy of the proposed plan can be viewed on the right.

The renovations at the two schools are part of the district's Vision 2015 plan, which addresses school facilities and programs.

The board also approved the following items:

• Kitchen renovations for Leaphart and Seven Oaks elementary schools, CrossRoads and Irmo middle schools, and Irmo High School. The projects are estimated to cost $5,263,000. Both kitchens at the two middle schools are said to need a total remodel while Leaphart needs a new walk-in cooler and freezer. Irmo High is in need of a new walk-in cooler and freezer. The kitchen renovations were unanimously approved by the board.
• Replacement of roof of main building at Chapin Elementary School. Its estimated cost is $1,410,000. The vote was 6-1 in favor of the motion.