Construction of the new Richard Carroll Elementary School is running “ahead of schedule” and renovation work to Bamberg Ehrhardt Middle School is 80 percent complete, while Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School has “a lot” of renovation work out front that will be “ongoing” for several months, Dale Collier of Brownstone Construction Group, the projects owner’s representative told Bamberg School District One Trustees at their September meeting Monday night.

“We’re real excited about the progress there, very excited about where we are, we’re certainly ahead of schedule,” Collier said of the construction work at the new Richard Carroll Elementary School. Collier noted that with a lot of the block and concrete work already in place at the elementary school, in a week roof trusses will start to be put in place over some of the classroom areas of the school.

At the Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School work site, Collier noted that “a milestone” was reached with the completion of the bathrooms and concession area at the rear of the school in time for homecoming. He noted that the high school still has a lot of renovation out front that will be ongoing for several months into the school year and summer. Collier stated that when complete the entrance to the high school will be “very similar” to that of the middle school, with similar type construction.

With work in the 80 percent completion stage at Bamberg- Ehrhardt Middle School, Collier said “the worst is behind us at the middle school.” “I feel very good about where we are in this particular school.” Collier stated that with the front entrance practically complete, floor tile down, lights on in the building, fire alarm on, life safety items in place and emergency lights ready, the middle school is ready for a visit by the Office of School Facilities inspection Thursday morning.

“I feel very comfortable he (the inspector) will be able to approve the front entrance and administration area of the middle school, Collier said, adding “when the inspector walks out the kids can walk in.” Collier said that renovation of the kitchen and replacement floor tile in the cafeteria would be done next summer.

In Other Business:

• Superintendent Schwarting said that the district received information from Bamberg County Auditor Margaret Meyer verifying the millage for the tax year was set with school operating millage at 257.8 and the school bonds are 84.0 “That is what they will base the taxes off for the coming year,” Schwarting said.

• The Superintendent presented board members with the district’s five year strategic plan through 2016, which covered the areas of instruction, teacher quality, facilities and school climate. Superintendent noted “the goals are beyond our grasp, but within our reach,” adding that she felt the district could reach the goals appropriate for the district.

• Board members were informed that SAT scores in the district increased 10 points in 2011, while the scores in the state of South Carolina fell about 15 points. It was noted the district’s scores on the SAT were only three points below the highest they have ever been.

• In the district’s financial report it was noted that the district had overspent for the month because of the installation of a new unified phone system that will go in the new elementary school. The district will look to offset some of the cost of the new phone system with e-rate funds.

• Board members elected Chris Wallace as a delegate to the 2011 SCSBA Delegate Assembly and Tony Duncan as an alternate.