New elementary school in Cayce will cost less than expected

A new elementary school in Cayce will cost less than budgeted.

The facility at 12th Street and Taylor Road will be built for $29.5 million, $2.3 million less than first estimated, Lexington 2 officials said Friday.

It is part of a $225 million package of new schools and renovations approved by voters in a 2014 referendum.

Work is starting on the unnamed school, which could open as soon as fall 2017.

Improvements are set to occur during the next five years at all 16 schools in Lexington 2.

Repairs will fix leaky roofs, replace outdated plumbing, wiring, ventilation, cafeterias and sports facilities as well as update technology and security.

Many classrooms in the Cayce-West Columbia area were built more than 50 years ago, among the oldest in the Midlands.

Tim Flach

This story was originally published May 20, 2016 at 2:13 PM.