ORANGEBURG, S.C. (WIS) – On Thursday, school leaders in Orangeburg placed the last beam on a new high school, marking a significant milestone for construction.
Students and staff also got a tour of their future home. Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School junior class president Ralley Wright said the current school is slowly falling apart.
“Little technology issues, boards not working, wifi, different things like that, leaks in the ceiling and I think here there’s going to be none of that,” she said.
Superintendent Shawn Foster said the current high school is not extremely old but was in need of renovations.
“Although it’s not an extremely old facility, the renovations and the disarray the building was in just from its HVAC systems, it made more sense to build a brand-new facility than to try to go back in and renovate an existing facility that still, even at this endpoint, may not give the students the educational opportunities that they deserve,” he said.
Construction on the new Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School started last year on Cook Road. The facility is one of the largest projects funded by the district’s $190 million bond referendum, with a final estimated cost of $135 million
The new facility will be able to serve up to 1,500 students. It will include a new athletic field, career and technical education labs and performing arts facilities—all things students like Xion Goldsmith are excited about.
“It’s really nice. I’m really excited for the new year,” he said.
Current principal Dr. Patricia Moultrie-Goldsmith graduated from Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School in 1992 and said she’s proud to see her alma mater transform.
“To be able to see this building erected is just a momentous occasion, and I’m just very proud,” she said.
As construction comes to the final stages, Foster said he looks forward to carrying on the legacy of the old school.
“It symbolizes this community coming together and moving forward education,” he said.
Construction on this new facility is expected to wrap up by next fall.
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