News Summary
Horry County Schools are proceeding with the construction of two new elementary schools, Ten Oaks and Pine Island, despite the challenges posed by a recent snowstorm. The district has quickly adapted to the winter weather by employing eLearning sessions and ensuring the safety of students. With significant investments in these new schools, set to alleviate overcrowding, the district aims for both facilities to open in July 2025. Community members are optimistic as clear weather returns, signaling a bright future for educational resources in the area.
Horry County Schools Rise Above Winter’s Wrath: Construction Moves Ahead!
Following a historic snowstorm that blanketed northeast South Carolina with a hefty 4 to 6 inches of snow, Horry County Schools are defying the odds by maintaining their construction schedule for two new elementary schools. The district, which faced significant disruptions due to icy conditions, has quickly transitioned to ensure that educational needs are met without delay.
Weather Woes and School Closures
As snow and ice wreaked havoc on January 22, schools across the county shuttered their doors, compelling students to engage in eLearning sessions, contrary to typical snow day makeups. This proactive strategy means that students will not have to make up their lost days. Parents and students alike are relieved, with many praising the district’s swift response during the inclement weather.
Benjamin Prince, the interim chief support services officer for the district, provided a reassuring update about the situation. He noted that the last bits of ice were removed from parking lots just before students returned to the classroom on January 27. The district has also ensured that all safety measures are in place, taking into consideration the lingering patches of ice that still cover some shaded areas of local roads as of January 24.
Construction Steadily Progressing
Despite the adverse weather conditions that led to temporary interruptions, construction for the much-anticipated Ten Oaks Elementary and Pine Island Elementary schools is remaining right on schedule. Located in the Carolina Forest area between Myrtle Beach and Conway, these new institutions are being built with the specific aim of addressing the growing problem of overcrowding in local elementary schools.
The construction budget for Pine Island Elementary is nearing an astounding $65.7 million, while Ten Oaks Elementary holds a budget of over $62.3 million. Both schools are designed to accommodate around 1,200 students each, which is a welcome relief for the nearly 2,000 students set to be reassigned to new schools due to the newly approved attendance lines set to roll out next year. With current facilities bursting at the seams in the Carolina Forest area, these new buildings are essential for providing students with adequate educational resources.
A Smooth Road Ahead
While the weather-induced disruptions briefly posed a challenge, Prince reassured the school board and the community that the winter storm has had minimal impact on the overall construction timeline. The construction teams are managing the minor delays associated with working in the chilly outdoor conditions, but they have expressed confidence that this will not affect the anticipated opening date of both schools in July 2025.
The excitement is building as families look forward to the completion of these new educational facilities. Set at Stafford Drive and Carolina Forest Boulevard, Ten Oaks Elementary will serve families well, while Pine Island Elementary will be located at 250 Ronald McNair Blvd. This timely development will ultimately enhance the educational landscape for current and future students in the rapidly growing area.
Sunny Days Ahead
As sunny skies return with a high around 65°F and winds blowing from the west at 10 to 20 mph, the community looks forward to brighter days ahead—both literally and figuratively. Clear skies are set for the night with temperatures dropping to around 43°F, providing a safe and serene environment for residents, while also signaling that springtime and the completion of school construction projects are on the horizon.
Overall, the resilience of Horry County Schools and its commitment to educational excellence shine through amid the turmoil of winter weather. As the district continues to prioritize the needs of its students and families, the development of new schools stands as a testament to a brighter future in the educational system.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Horry County Schools Update
- Wikipedia: Horry County, South Carolina
- WPDE: Closures and Delays
- Google Search: Horry County News
- WMBF News: Horry County School Safety Committee
- Google Scholar: Horry County School Security
- My Horry News: New Grade Schools in Carolina Forest
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Carolina Forest
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
