HAMLET — The projected date for opening the new L. J. Bell Elementary School appears headed for a notable change.
At the Aug. 11 Richmond County Board of Education meeting, Ashley Dennis and Blair Bordeaux of Bordeaux Construction Company in Morrisville — responsible for constructing the new Bell school — appeared before members to present a project update. Concerns about coordinating the various elements of the overall project have prompted Bordeaux's team to caution the board about meeting an August 2028 date for completion of the new facility.
Dennis and Bordeaux noted that minor factors and delays have already compounded, and that an August 2028 date is "extremely aggressive" — let alone any future unknowns. Pushing for that earlier completion, Bordeaux warned, could lead to "reduced square footage," and even fewer classrooms.
Updated schedules point to completion of the L. J. Bell school as early as November 2028, or as late as August 2029. Demolition of the current building is set for November 2026 through January 2027.
To board member Bobbi Sue Ormsby's inquiry, "How are we already so far behind?" Dennis responded, "Well, we're not behind in construction, we just know things will continue to happen."
Both of the Bordeaux officials indicated that it was better to point out these concerns now as, "We don't want this to be a conversation we're having down the road."
"I really do want to set this project up for success," Bordeaux noted. "We want this to be an extremely successful project," Dennis added.
Board Vice Chair Scotty Baldwin noted he was glad we are addressing this now. "You don't want to rush anything now," adding that to rush now could result in too many "change orders" toward the end of the project.
Member Bess Shuler then noted concerns about pressures placed on other schools, especially Monroe Avenue, to accommodate Bell's displaced students, especially during an extended time frame.
Local school construction coordinator Steven King noted that renovations and preparations are now complete for L. J. Bell's temporary County Home Road facility — the former Ninth Grade Academy. Some items from Bell's current building are being selected for surplus.
A nostalgic walk-through of the school is scheduled for 10 a.m.-noon on Saturday, Aug. 15.
Roofing has been performed on 10 athletic buildings at Richmond Senior High, including ticket booths. An upgrade of the softball field is planned. Sound systems at RSHS's football and baseball fields are targeted for upgrades, as well as an improved stage for graduation ceremonies.
Extended 10-foot fencing is planned for the third base line at Raider Field. It was recalled that a young child was severely injured by a batted ball during a 2026 playoff game.
