The estimated cost of Lexington’s new Henry Clay High School has increased by $24 million, from $161.6 million to $185.6 million.
“Based on current trends in the construction industry, we are seeing an increase in construction costs,” a document in Monday’s school board planning meeting agenda said.
The approximately 348,778-square-foot building is set to serve 2,300 students.
Several school board members asked about the increasing costs at Monday’s meeting.
Fayette County Public Schools’ Chief Operating Officer Myron Thompson told them construction costs have risen considerably since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Across the country, labor and materials prices costs have gone up, he said.
District officials previously said the new Henry Clay High School building is expected to be completed by winter 2028.
Greendale Elementary
The school board is set to approve the design development documents for the construction of both an elementary school on Greendale Road and the new Henry Clay High School at its October 28 meeting.