Burke County Public Schools facility study projects $98.3M in renovations over the next decade

Over the next decade, Burke County Public Schools (BCPS) could need up to $93.8 million in renovations to keep its school buildings safe, comfortable, and operational, according to a facility study.

The overall projection is even higher. New facilities, furniture/equipment, and land are estimated to cost $211.4 million over a 10-year period for schools alone. The estimate is $212.8 million when other buildings such as offices are included.

These numbers only represent the district’s needs, not a master plan or capital improvement plan, said Andy LaRowe, whose company completed the study.

LaRowe, the founder and president of Building Asset Inventory Single Component Assessment (BAISCA), presented an outline of the company’s findings to the school board at its Aug. 3 regular meeting.

The biggest chunk of change for the next five years is projected to go toward new school facilities, a cost of about $105.9 million. The second biggest expense is renovations.

BAISCA’s projection shows that BCPS will — over the next 10 years — need to spend most of its renovation money on HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems at $37.8 million; building and safety code improvements at $13 million; and unspecified site improvements at $12.3 million.

Every five years, school districts are required by state statute to conduct these studies and submit long-range plans for meeting school facility needs to the state board of education.

“In the five years since we last did this, prices have … more than doubled. We were at $250 per square foot for construction five years ago. We’re at $450 now,” LaRowe said. “Probably closer to $500.”

The average age of school buildings in the district is about 50 years, LaRowe said.

BAISCA documents show the oldest school is Salem Elementary, which was built in 1932, making it 94 years old. The youngest, Mountain View Elementary, was built eight years ago. Jimmy C. Draughn High is the second youngest and was built 18 years ago.

LaRowe said that even if capacity is not an issue, with most buildings being more than 20 years old, “it becomes incumbent to start forward thinking.” He recommended the district seek needs-based grants from the state for any upcoming capital projects.

The presentation was purely informational, and no actions were taken at this meeting. The information simply serves as a basis for future planning and projects.