Berkeley County School District is excited to celebrate a major milestone at Berkeley High: the start of the school’s new expansion wing.
District and school officials gathered at on the Stag stomping grounds on Oct. 15 for a groundbreaking ceremony to kick off the project.
Earlier in the school year, BCSD began work on the project by demolishing Berkeley High’s aging annex, which dated back to 1964. As one of the largest high schools in our district, Berkeley High serves a growing number of students, and this expansion will provide the additional space needed to support that growth while helping prepare students for success upon graduation.
The new two-story instructional building will encompass nearly 41,000 square feet and will include:
27 classrooms
2 art rooms
1 drama room
1 resource room
4 administrative and support office spaces
The new wing is result of the investment of Berkeley County taxpayers, as it is being funded through the county’s Educational Capital Improvements Sales and Use Tax – or the “penny tax” – approved by voters in November 2022.
Superintendent Dr. Anthony Dixon said the new wing is a much-anticipated project that is going to have a terrific impact on the school in the years to come.
“Projects like this don’t happen overnight,” he said. “They take teamwork, dedication and a shared commitment to doing what’s best for our students.”
Thursday morning’s groundbreaking incorporated multiple student groups from the high school. The Berkeley High Blue Brigade performed the National Anthem, with the school’s JROTC program leading the Presentation of Colors. Cadet Captain Sarah Vinson led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Kylie Wright, BETA National Senior Secretary for Berkeley High, took the podium to share what it meant to her as a graduating senior to see the project kick off.
“This building is our future,” she said. “I invite all here, and those to come, to make the most of this building’s opportunities, because all individuals should always strive to do two things: learn, and become the best versions of themselves. This building will pave the way for thousands to do just that.”
As a keepsake, the crowd was presented with special commemorative wing-shaped magnets, presented by ninth grade leadership students Mcari McNeil, Ansley Satterfield and Chloe Veloz.
The new wing is expected to be completed in December 2027.