In Brief: District 5 Board Hears Construction, Financial Updates

Construction update

The board of trustees received an update on construction projects in the district. Projects discussed in the report included Irmo Elementary School, Chapin High School and the Center for Advanced Technical Studies (CATE Center).

Dedication ceremonies for Irmo Elementary and the CATE Center are schedule for 3 p.m. Oct. 7 and Oct. 28, respectively. 

There are still some projects that are in progress at the CATE Center including exterior paving and installation of some school equipment. 

Construction at Chapin High includes a new classroom addition, a new gym with a stage and expansion to the school's cafeteria and media center, and new practice fields and athletic facility.

The new bus loop and media center renovation has been completed. 

The project is expected to be completed in December 2014. 

Financial report 

Dr. Karl Fulmer, the district's chief financial officer, briefly provided reports on the district's monthly financial reports, 8 percent capital projects and bond referendum expenditures. 

Board member Jim Turner asked several questions concerning the financial reports.

Turner asked about the two remaining projects that were listed in the 2008 bond referendum — the new elementary and middle schools.

Turner said he doesn't think there will be enough bond money left over to complete the two projects after current construction is completed. 

As of now, those projects are still pending and have not been taken off the table. 

Superintendent Stephen Hefner said once a final cost of projects at Irmo and Dutch Fork high schools are known, he would come back to the board to address the remaining projects. 

Hefner has said Chapin High, Spring Hill High and renovations/upgrades at Irmo and Dutch Fork are his top priorities.

The board's next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Oct. 8 at River Springs Elementary School.