ASHLEY RIVER FINALLY COMPLETED

Principal Ellicott awarded Order of the Palmetto

Special to West Of

Share this article:

CCSD Superintendent Dr. Nancy McGinley, Charleston Mayor Joe Riley, Ashley River student Jeremy Garza, and Ashley River Principal Jayne Ellicott cut the ribbon officially opening the completed new school

It's been nearly three years, since the staged construction began, but last week Ashley River Creative Arts Elementary finally cut the ribbon on the completed, $20.8 million new school. Last week, Charleston Mayor Joe Riley, Superintendent Dr. Nancy McGinley, CCSD Board Chair Ruth Jordan, the S.C. Rep. Leon Stavrinakis, and other guests were on hand to cut the ribbon during a special ceremony.

The construction of Ashley River Creative Arts Elementary School was a very unique project. Under the Charleston County School District's capital building program the facility was constructed in a phased approach while students occupied the existing site. The phasing allowed the facility to be completed approximately two years earlier than originally scheduled. The reason for this decision was that the only swing campus available for this school would be the old McNair campus in North Charleston. Because of the condition assessment, Orange Grove Charter Elementary School was ranked higher in need for replacement and, therefore, occupied the McNair campus. Ashley River would have had to wait until summer 2010 to move into the swing campus for construction to begin on their new school. Although the phased approach was not ideal, this decision was made by the principal and staff and they have made accommodations without jeopardizing the education of the students.

This project was broken into three phases. The first phase consisted of the relocation of mobile classrooms housing approximately 60 percent of the students so that the main academic wing could be demolished. This phase also included the early site work and demolition of the academic wing. Phase I was started in June 2007, and completed in June 2008. Phase II consisted of the new construction of the Admin, Media, and academic space. Phase II began in July 2008, and was completed in September 2009. Phase III consisted of the demolition of the old administration and academic area where a new kindergarten wing was constructed. Also included in this phase is the complete renovation of the multipurpose cafeteria and support spaces.

The new school wasn't the only big news for the day's events. In addition, Rep. Leon Stavrinakis was on hand to present the Order of the Palmetto to Principal Jayne Ellicott. Ellicott had no idea she was to receive the award and was quite surprised. The Order of the Palmetto is the highest civilian honor awarded by the Governor of South Carolina. It is awarded to persons who make contributions of statewide significance.