SALUDA COUNTY, S.C. — New construction and renovations are reshaping schools in Saluda County, two years after voters approved a $49 million bond referendum. The funding supports the creation of a new elementary school and upgrades at Saluda High, Saluda Middle, Hollywood Elementary, and other district facilities.
"It just really warms my heart," said Dr. Harvey Livingston, superintendent of Saluda County Schools.
The centerpiece of the improvements is a $55 million elementary school, designed to accommodate up to 1,000 students from pre-K to grade 5. Phase 1 is set for completion in March 2025, initially housing 700 students, with full capacity expected by October 2025.
The total cost of the district’s improvements is $98 million, funded through state support and the bond referendum. Projects include:
- Hollywood Elementary: A new wing, additional driveway, hardened the front office for security, and updated safety measures, with completion expected by January.
- Saluda High School: An expanded career wing, adding programs in welding, firefighting, and cosmetology.
- Saluda Middle School: Expanding a wing for more new career technology wing to enhance learning opportunities.
"We have great students, great teachers, great community, great school system, but our facilities have been lacking some of the advanced technology some of the advanced security that a lot of our neighboring districts have," he adds.
"I think it will bridge a gap for our community here—for our kids that are in town and those in the outskirts of town, it’s way overdue here, I mean our grandparents and great grandparents went here and it's something for everyone to be proud of," said Brandy Cromley, who lives in Saluda.
Hollywood Elementary will lead the completion timeline in January, while the new elementary school is set to open in October 2025.