Brockington expansion moves ahead

DARLINGTON – A more than $6 million expansion at Brockington Elementary Magnet School for Science and Technology is scheduled for completion by the start of the 2010-11 school year, according to Darlington County School District officials.

The project includes the construction of six new classrooms, a new cafeteria and multi-purpose room, a new administrative area, new restrooms and the renovation of the former cafeteria, which was built in 1953, into science and computer labs.

Once the project is complete, the school will be able to accommodate up to 550 students in grades four through six, according to Allison Baker, principal of the school. Currently, enrollment during this first week of school stands at about 457, Baker said.

Construction on the project started on June 10 and is well under way. District held a groundbreaking ceremony for the project on Wednesday.

Darlington County Board of Education Chairman Connell Delaine said the expansion will enhance the image of the district’s schools because of the school’s highly visible location on Brockington Road and U.S. 52 Bypass.

Darlington board member Tommy Jeffords said the expansion is something parents whose children attend the school have long wanted to see done.

In December, district officials learned that the project as planned would cost about $1.6 million more than originally estimated. The board approved a plan and time line for the project then of $6.4 million.