Construction crews spend summer building, renovating nearly every area school

While students enjoy their summer vacation, teams of construction workers will stay busy renovating Beaufort County's 28 schools.

Several summer construction projects --expected to cost $18.5 million -- are underway in the Beaufort County School District.

"This is much more than we have done in the past," said Chris Poe, the district's facilities planning and construction officer. "The ages of our buildings are catching up to us."

The projects are part of the district's five-year capital improvement plan, Poe said. The long-range plan was developed before voters passed a $162.7 million bond referendum in 2008.

All schools will be equipped with wireless Internet access this summer at a cost of about $1.4 million, Poe said. Most schools now have limited wireless access in certain parts of the building, such as the library.

"The goal is to have it in all the classrooms, too," Poe said.

Secured entrances -- which will force visitors to pass through a school's front office before entering other parts of the building -- also will be installed at all schools.

Here's a look at other major renovations planned for south-county schools this summer. Work began June 15 at most schools south of the Broad River and should be completed in August.

Bluffton schools campus: At Bluffton Elementary, renovations include canopy improvements, new restrooms and an improved nurse's station. At H.E. McCracken Middle, renovations include painting the office and improving drainage. At Bluffton High, renovations include two new tennis courts and resurfacing old courts. Budget: $621,500.

M.C. Riley Elementary School:Replacing the heating, ventilating and air conditioning system.Budget: $1.7 million.

Okatie Elementary: Removal of mobile classrooms, painting and improvement to drainage andexit lighting Budget: $283,093.

Hilton Head Island Early Childhood Center: Drainage improvements. Budget: $70,826.

Hilton Head Island elementary schools: At International Baccalaureate Elementary, painting, carpet replacements and window replacements. At the School for the Creative Arts, renovations include painting hallways. Budget: $544,831.

Hilton Head Island Middle School: Sign repairsand improvements to the media center HVAC system. Budget: $259,091.

Hilton Head Island High School: Re-keying the building and improvements to the field house. Budget: $278,765.