Save with school design

Citizens of Dorchester County will likely be getting a much- needed new elementary school almost identical to one they already have, but at a lower cost.

Some savings can be expected from a slumping economy that has driven down construction costs.

But costs should also be lower because the Dorchester District 2 School Board prudently voted to forego shopping for a brand new design, opting instead to reuse a plan that has proven successful in three schools.

The necessary land purchase is not complete, and the board has yet to announce whether it will copy Fort Dorchester Elementary (finished in 2002), William Reeves Elementary (finished in 2007) or Eagle Nest Elementary (also finished in 2007).

Even so, the board is to be commended for two things: For choosing building designs that work well enough to warrant copying and for showing appropriate fiscal restraint.

Superintendent Joe Pye said that, whichever design the board chooses, it will need some slight adjusting as dictated by the site.

The district should take the opportunity to incorporate "green" features in the design, as it did in its newest school, Ashley Ridge High School. When possible, public bodies should be leaders in the movement to reduce carbon emissions and conserve energy — which also can cut operating costs.

Reusing building designs removes uncertainties that come with new designs. It also provides cost efficiencies, saves time and avoids construction cost inflation.

Dorchester District 2 estimates it will save at least $500,000 in design costs and much more than that by being able to start construction while building costs are down. Those are dollars that any school district should be happy to save.