Irmo Board Approves New Middle School Proposal

Six Lexington-Richland 5 board members gave their approval on a plan to build a new middle school in the Chapin area. 

The new facility, which school district officials hope to open during the 2015-2016 school year, will house grades 7 and 8. 

With the construction of the new school, Chapin Middle will only have grades 5 and 6.

Superintendent Dr. Stephen Hefner said the new facility is being built to help relieve overcrowding in some classrooms in the Chapin area. 

The project is estimated to cost $28,542,516, which school officials say will be covered by funds from the 2008 bond referendum, 8 percent bonds, and some of the general fund balance.

Board member Kim Murphy voted against approving the proposal Monday night.

Murphy said she didn't think the district did a good job getting information out to the public about the new middle school and that they had a duty to the public to make sure citizens are aware of what is being proposed.

Hefner said at a previous meeting that he has discussed the project with some members of the community.

District officials could present a conceptual plan of the new school in early summer, according to a projected timeline. 

Read more about the new middle school here.