Estimated cost for new Henry Clay High School in Lexington increases by $34 million

The estimated cost of Lexington’s new Henry Clay High School has increased by $34 million, from $151.6 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. It is expected to be built on the current Fontaine Road site.

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.

The estimated cost for the new Greendale Elementary School is $42.8 million, up from $41.9 million in December 2023, according to a document in Monday night’s agenda.

The two-story, 92,000-square-foot elementary will have a compact footprint on the property and will incorporate a storm shelter, as required by state law, documents and project officials said.

It will be built in the Masterson Station area of Lexington.

District officials said last December the school was set to open in 2026 and would serve 750 students in grades kindergarten through 5.

Editors Note: This story has been updated to correct the amount the cost is slated to increase.