WINDSOR – The new Bertie High School is moving along well.

Monday morning, architect Jimmy Hite informed the Bertie County Commissioners the project is progressing, especially considering the time of year.

Hite said construction of the $20 million facility has moved along steadily since it began in November. He said there had been very few days lost because of weather, something he found uncommon in November, December and January.

“First of all, I would like to thank you for the ground-breaking ceremony in November,” Hite said. “It is the largest ground-breaking ceremony we’ve ever been a part of.”

He went on to give an update of the accomplishments at the construction site over the first few months of work.

“The site work has gone very well,” he said. “We’ve had good weather and that has allowed work to proceed.”

Hite said other accomplishments along the way include the installation of erosion controls, the grading of storm water ponds and work on the entrance of the building. The trees have also been removed and the beginning of sewer installation has occurred.

The architect also told the board there has been quite a bit of work done as far as removing soil and replacing it with earth that will work for the new school.

“The 300 Building is verified to be the correct height and we anticipate in February starting work on that building,” Hite said.

Commissioner John Trent asked several construction related questions and urged Hite to report back to the board when concrete was poured. Trent said he wanted to make sure the concrete was done correctly because of the cracks in the current Bertie High School facility.

In addition to updating the commissioners on the progress of the new school, Hite was on hand to talk about the changes made to the 12-classroom addition approved as part of the bid last year.

Hite previously brought the information to the board concerning changes requested by the Bertie County Board of Education. The main changes included the addition of a science lab and a life skills room for special population students.

The cost of the modifications, Hite said, was $130,000. He suggested the board approve the expenditure as part of the $300,000 contingency built into the project.

Commissioner Ronald D. Wesson asked if Hite anticipated any more expenditures of that nature or had any concerns about future surprise costs.

“None whatsoever,” Hite replied.

Trent asked if Hite felt the project had moved along to the point that such costs would have shown themselves and Hite said that was the case.

Wesson made the motion to approve the change with Trent offering a second. It passed without objection.