St. James Elementary replacement school moves forward with expected budget increase

Horry County Schools is advancing plans for the St. James Elementary replacement school project, though district officials anticipate the overall price tag will increase by roughly $5 million due to rising material, technology, and equipment costs.

The school district completed Phase 1 of the project over the summer. That initial site work involved installing 10 modular classrooms on the campus and removing older portable units to clear space for upcoming phases.

Phase 2 is currently underway as preliminary site modifications continue. Construction crews are establishing the main building area, adding a temporary fire lane, and modifying the existing bus lot entrance. District leaders are waiting for official budget numbers to settle, but Horry County Schools spokesperson Lisa Bourcier confirmed that cost escalations are expected. Bourcier noted that original financial estimates were established several years ago, and expenses for technology, furniture, fixtures, and equipment have steadily increased over the last couple of years.

The school district plans to present firm financial numbers and a proposed funding source to the Horry County Board of Education in September to cover the anticipated $5 million cost increase.

The bulk of the physical work will take place during Phase 3, when full construction begins. Phase 3 is scheduled to start in January.

Parents, school staff, and local drivers traveling near the campus should expect periodic traffic updates as the project progresses. Bourcier stated that the district will keep families and staff informed throughout the entire process, particularly regarding potential shifts in campus activities or temporary changes to parent pick-up and drop-off loop roads. Barring any major setbacks, the new replacement school is expected to open in August 2028.