Board approves $7.75 million amendment for Ladies Island Middle School site work

The Beaufort County Board of Education approved Amendment Number 1 with Thompson Turner Construction on Feb. 17 to fund the early‑release package for site work at Ladies Island Middle School, setting a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) of $7,752,754.

The motion was presented after an executive‑session negotiation and cited South Carolina Code authority for contract negotiation and privileged legal advice. Board discussion in public session included community concerns voiced during public comment about changes in building location and the potential loss of an auditorium/lecture theater in the new design. Students from Ladies Island Middle School had urged keeping a lecture theater for band, chorus, theater and community events earlier in the meeting.

Board Member Smith said constituents were displeased about site changes and that community questions about the previous and current designs remained unanswered; he supported approval of the amendment while urging further communication with constituents. Other board members noted the design work considered cost and three‑story building tradeoffs and said the project is moving forward.

The amendment passed in public session; staff will proceed with the early site work under the GMP and will continue to engage with the community about remaining design elements.

What happens next: Thompson Turner will proceed with the early release site work under the approved GMP; district staff to continue community engagement and provide project updates.