Northampton Board hears school construction update

The Northampton County School Board received a detailed construction update Monday evening from Dane Seagle with Skanska, the project’s manager, on the ongoing Middle and High School Modernization Project, with reports showing the nearly $92 million project remains on schedule and within budget.

Seagle reported steady progress on multiple fronts. Site stormwater lines and drainage structures for the main parking lot have been completed, along with light pole bases and several light pole installations. The generator enclosure and fuel tank are in place, and brickwork continues along Courthouse Road and around the new auditorium. Roofing is nearly complete, and crews have begun installing windows, drywall, and interior framing.

The update noted significant mechanical, electrical, and plumbing progress. Underground and above-ceiling systems are being installed, along with sprinkler piping, roof drains, and insulation. The geothermal well field is being connected to the new pump house located behind the school. Much of the structural steel and spray foam insulation work has been finished, with only minor follow-ups remaining.

Financially, the modernization remains steady at a total project budget of $91.8 million, with $35.7 million spent to date. The county has saved roughly $678,000 through direct purchasing, which exempts materials bought by the County from State sales tax. The project remains on track for Phase One completion in April 2026 and full completion by May 2027.

The related $710,000 waterline project, managed separately by the county, is nearly finished and will not impact the school’s construction schedule.

Supervisor Oliver Bennett brought up school’s new hurricane shelter, built to withstand 200-mile-per-hour winds, drew particular attention. Officials praised the reinforced construction and careful placement of the large generator and fuel tank, which will provide up to five days of backup power.

The demolition of the school’s original 1954 building is scheduled for next year as part of Phase Three.