The new L.J. Bell Elementary School may open later than Richmond County school leaders initially expected.
Project officials recently presented the Richmond County Board of Education with a revised construction timeline that could push the school’s opening beyond the previously targeted fall 2028 semester.
Project Remains Weeks Beyond Target
Construction Manager Blair Bordeaux said the current schedule remains approximately seven to eight weeks beyond what would be required to meet the fall 2028 opening.
Trying to recover that time could require officials to shorten portions of the design process, including opportunities for quality control, community input and cost analysis.
The school board was not required to select a new opening date during its August meeting. However, a decision will eventually be needed as the project approaches critical construction deadlines.
Old School Scheduled for Demolition
Demolition of the former L.J. Bell facility is expected to begin in November and continue through January 2027. An environmental-abatement survey must be completed before demolition starts.
Renovations for L.J. Bell students at the former Ninth Grade Academy on County Home Road have been completed.
Source: Reporting by Ana Corral for the Richmond County Daily Journal.
