Hilton Head Island High School Embarks on $167 Million Renovation Project

Hilton Head Island High School Launches Major Rebuild

Hilton Head Island, S.C. — On May 8, 2024, Hilton Head Island High School took an important step towards a brighter future as it officially broke ground on a substantial renovation project estimated to cost $167 million. This initiative is set to transform nearly every aspect of the school, providing students with a modern and updated learning environment.

Excitement Among Students

Students at the school are buzzing with enthusiasm. Freshman Mia Heicman, who has spent just one year at the school, expressed her excitement, saying, “I’m excited to just have a new school in general. I’ve only been here one year. I’m not that used to it. And just to see something new, I think, is exciting.”

What Does the Project Entail?

The first phase of this ambitious project will include the addition of three-story classroom and art wings. These new facilities will aim to create bigger classrooms, provide more learning spaces, and enhance educational opportunities for students. Principal Steven Schidrich highlighted the importance of preparing students for jobs that may not even exist yet. He stated, “We want to be in the best position to provide students with the skills that they can be adaptive to those types of occupations.”

A Shift in Teaching Methods

Christine Gray, a veteran teacher with 33 years of experience at the school, reflected on how teaching has evolved over the years. She has gone from using chalkboards to whiteboards and now relies on computers and tablets as part of her lessons. Gray emphasized the need for a modern classroom environment, saying, “I am really an advocate of kids being able to move around, being able to get up and work at the board, being able to get up and move.” She believes that having extra space will provide more freedom of movement and increase learning opportunities for students.

Community Support and Funding

The Hilton Head Island community has rallied around this project, showcasing their commitment to education. The school will benefit from the historical $439 million 2023 Beaufort County Schools Bond Referendum, which helped fund this major undertaking. The school’s principal emphasized the importance of returning the favor by preparing students to give back to the community that supported their education. Schidrich noted, “To expand our program is we could provide more opportunities for students to learn about different skills and things they can use to support, say, the local economy or even the global economy.”

Looking Ahead

The Hilton Head High project is the largest undertaking of the bond referendum, but it is not the only improvement on the way for the community. Plans for a new elementary school and middle school are also part of the ongoing development in the area.

Conclusion

As the groundbreaking ceremony marks the beginning of this ambitious rebuild, the community looks forward to seeing how the changes will improve educational facilities and enrich student learning experiences. With a strong foundation of support and a clear vision for the future, Hilton Head Island High School is set to become a leader in providing quality education for years to come.