North Augusta High School, Aiken County Public School District

Replacing the existing North Augusta High School on an active site took 10 years of careful planning, design, and construction.

In 2010, Aiken County residents voted against a $236 million bond referendum to pay for a new school, football stadium, and other school improvements. In response, the district kept the community engaged while working with McMillan Pazdan Smith on a phased master plan. A budget was established for each phase, and it was estimated to take over 30 years to complete.

In November 2014, Aiken County voters passed a 1% Education Capital Improvements Sales and Use Tax. The penny sales tax provided funds necessary to consolidate the work into four phases and complete the project ahead of schedule.

Phase 1 replaced portable classrooms with labs, a multi-purpose room, and an administrative area with office and workroom.

Phase 2A and 2B demolished 48,000 SF of the original buildings and replaced them with 200,000 SF of new construction. Additions included two-story classroom wings, a freshman academy, exploratory classrooms, a media center, cafeteria, and a new front entrance with enhanced security.

Phase 3 demolished the original gymnasium, added 68,000 SF gymnasium with 2,500-seat arena, locker rooms, training facilities, and athletic offices.

Phase 4 finalized the project with the completion of athletic fields and performing arts areas.

Thanks to a successful funding strategy, smart planning, and community support, North Augusta High School has a unified school campus that students, educators, and the community are proud of.