North Augusta Middle School Wins Approval for $50M Renovation Project

North Augusta Planning Commission gave the green light to a $50 million makeover of North Augusta Middle School on Feb. 18. Three separate phases will tackle the work, wrapping up by summer 2027.

The plan calls for technological improvements to the electrical systems and heating and cooling units. A safer entrance will replace the current one, and fresh classrooms will spring up alongside a brand-new gym.

The renovations are funded by the one-cent sales tax that was renewed in 2024.

Mike Jara runs facilities construction for Aiken County Public School District. He explained that architects focused on squeezing more from what's there instead of just tacking on extra rooms.

"What we've done is design the school for more efficient use of the square footage," Jara told commissioners, per The Post and Courier. "The potential is, with more efficient use of the classrooms, with extensive programming discussions with faculty and staff, we're able to accommodate more students without really adding more."

Outdoor learning areas will dot the grounds. The blueprint anticipates more kids arriving in the years ahead without requiring massive add-ons down the line.

Phase One tackles the new building. Phases two and three involve tearing down the old structure while others build parking lots and a winding drop-off lane.

Everything finishes before fall 2027. Kids and teachers will walk into upgraded tech and modern teaching areas when school starts that year.