The New L.J. Bell Elementary will replace the current L.J. Bell campus, which was originally built in 1952. Much of the building’s infrastructure has reached the end of its useful life, and continued repairs are no longer a long-term solution. This project focuses on constructing a new elementary school on the existing site that will better support daily instruction, student services, and the operational needs of a modern school.
The new facility will be designed to provide appropriately sized classrooms, updated core spaces, reliable building systems, and a layout that supports how elementary schools function today. The goal is to ensure that students and staff have a building that works for them, not against them, for decades to come.
Project News & Updates
Board Approves Construction Manager at Risk Delivery Method
January 2026
The Richmond County Board of Education has approved the use of the Construction Manager at Risk method for the New L.J. Bell Elementary project. This delivery approach allows a construction manager to work alongside the architect during the design phase, providing cost guidance and scheduling input before construction begins. This method believing it to be the most effective way to manage the project’s scope, budget, and timeline. The next step in the process included soliciting Requests for Qualifications from architectural firms to begin the design phase of the project.
Students and staff will relocate during construction of the new school
January 2026
The Richmond County Schools Board of Education voted unanimously at its regular meeting on January 13 to temporarily relocate L.J. Bell Elementary students during construction of the new school.
After reviewing multiple options, the Board determined that relocating students was the best choice to support a stable learning environment and smooth day-to-day school operations while construction is underway.
Beginning in August 2026, students will attend school at the former Ninth Grade Academy for the next two school years while the new L.J. Bell Elementary is built.
Additional details about transportation, schedules, and school operations will be shared later as the transition approaches. The anticipated project timeline will be shared with families soon.
Richmond County Schools Awarded $42 Million Grant for New Elementary School
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Richmond County Schools has been awarded a $42 million grant through North Carolina’s Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund to construct a new elementary school that will serve students for decades to come. This investment represents a significant step forward in providing modern learning environments that support high-quality instruction and student success.
“This is an amazing opportunity for our district and our community,” said Dr. Joe Ferrell, Superintendent of Richmond County Schools. “This grant allows us to create a facility that will meet the needs of students for generations. We’re especially grateful to our County Commissioners for their partnership and commitment to providing the local match required to make this project possible.”
Before applying for the grant, architects and engineers from Moseley worked closely with the district to evaluate several elementary schools and identify the greatest need. After a thorough review of building systems and instructional spaces, L.J. Bell was selected for replacement. The new facility will be built on the same site and will provide flexible learning spaces, improved technology integration, and a modern environment designed to support instructional programs and student achievement.
The current LJ Bell Elementary, orginally built in 1952 has aging mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems that have exceeded their expected lifecycle. The roof, windows, and doors are deteriorating, creating energy inefficiencies and ongoing maintenance challenges. Nearly all infrastructure is beyond its useful life, and the building cannot support the demands of modern education.
"This is an incredible milestone for Richmond County Schools, and our entire Board couldn't be more excited about what this means for our students, staff, and community. This project will benefit families, educators, and the entire community for years to come,” said Board of Education Chair Cory Satterfield.
Planning for the new school will begin immediately, with updates shared regularly with families and stakeholders.
Richmond County was one of ten districts selected for this year’s awards, which total more than $392 million statewide. The Needs-Based Public-School Capital Fund was established by the General Assembly in 2017 to help districts in economically distressed counties address critical facility needs. Awards are capped at $42 million for elementary school projects, $52 million for middle school projects and $62 million for high school projects.
During a Board work session, members of the Richmond County Board of Education and the district leadership team walked school facilities with architects and engineers from Moseley to thoroughly review building needs as part of the grant planning process.
