By Rob Novit
The Aiken High School campus is looking a lot different these days, with more changes to come.
Trees have been cleared between the main building and the North Annex - getting ready for the construction of a new wing that includes science labs and other classrooms.
Construction is tentatively scheduled for completion by early 2014.
"We're happy to see it," said Garen Cofer, Aiken High principal. "It won't be an inconvenience. Anytime we see new construction, that's a good thing. We'll let those guys do their thing and give us a finished product. We'll be extremely proud of it."
David Caver, the Aiken County School District's deputy superintendent, said every precaution will be taken to avoid any disruptions for students and faculty.
"This work will face unique challenges because of the annex and the F-Wing," Caver said. "But we'll do everything we can so that school continues to run smoothly."
Work is continuing for a new kitchen/cafeteria and front facade at Jackson Middle School. Those facilities could be ready for occupancy soon after the Christmas break in a few months, Caver said.
A new restroom facility for the gym at Busbee Corbett Elementary Middle School is under construction.
A major Ridge Spring-Monetta High School construction project for a new wing should be put out for bids soon. The new wing will bring grades 6-8 to the campus from RS-M Elementary/Middle School and also provide a cafeteria that the middle and high school grades will share.
Some preliminary planning for an addition to North Augusta High School is under way.
"We've also done some cyclical maintenance this summer, including new HVAC at South Aiken," Caver said. "This is the third summer, as it's been a long process. "We also put on a new roof at Kennedy Middle School and new gym floors at seven schools."
Cofer said Aiken High has been able to eliminate some of its mobile classrooms. With the addition of another wing, other portables can be removed.
In 2010, Aiken County voters soundly rejected a major construction bond referendum. In part, a successful election would have provided a mostly new Aiken High facility, saving only one wing and the James Taylor Building, which houses the basketball gym.
While Caver would have welcomed a new school, "It is what it is, and the new wing is going to be nice," he said. "The Taylor building was a great addition to the school, and the science lab building will be as well. It's definitely needed."
Senior writer Rob Novit is the Aiken Standard's education reporter and has been with the newspaper since September 2001. He is a native of Walterboro and majored in journalism at the University of Georgia.Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
The Aiken High School campus is looking a lot different these days, with more changes to come.
Trees have been cleared between the main building and the North Annex - getting ready for the construction of a new wing that includes science labs and other classrooms.
Construction is tentatively scheduled for completion by early 2014.
"We're happy to see it," said Garen Cofer, Aiken High principal. "It won't be an inconvenience. Anytime we see new construction, that's a good thing. We'll let those guys do their thing and give us a finished product. We'll be extremely proud of it."
David Caver, the Aiken County School District's deputy superintendent, said every precaution will be taken to avoid any disruptions for students and faculty.
"This work will face unique challenges because of the annex and the F-Wing," Caver said. "But we'll do everything we can so that school continues to run smoothly."
Work is continuing for a new kitchen/cafeteria and front facade at Jackson Middle School. Those facilities could be ready for occupancy soon after the Christmas break in a few months, Caver said.
A new restroom facility for the gym at Busbee Corbett Elementary Middle School is under construction.
A major Ridge Spring-Monetta High School construction project for a new wing should be put out for bids soon. The new wing will bring grades 6-8 to the campus from RS-M Elementary/Middle School and also provide a cafeteria that the middle and high school grades will share.
Some preliminary planning for an addition to North Augusta High School is under way.
"We've also done some cyclical maintenance this summer, including new HVAC at South Aiken," Caver said. "This is the third summer, as it's been a long process. "We also put on a new roof at Kennedy Middle School and new gym floors at seven schools."
Cofer said Aiken High has been able to eliminate some of its mobile classrooms. With the addition of another wing, other portables can be removed.
In 2010, Aiken County voters soundly rejected a major construction bond referendum. In part, a successful election would have provided a mostly new Aiken High facility, saving only one wing and the James Taylor Building, which houses the basketball gym.
While Caver would have welcomed a new school, "It is what it is, and the new wing is going to be nice," he said. "The Taylor building was a great addition to the school, and the science lab building will be as well. It's definitely needed."
Senior writer Rob Novit is the Aiken Standard's education reporter and has been with the newspaper since September 2001. He is a native of Walterboro and majored in journalism at the University of Georgia.Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
