The Guilford County Board of Education approved a proposal to increase the budgets of six priority projects at their meeting Thursday night.

Due to an increase in construction costs the district revised the budget for priority projects by more than $12 million. The actual cost of the projects will not be known until construction companies submit bids.

A summary of the estimates is below:

At Thursday’s meeting, staff recommended funding the increase in construction budgets. They also asked the board to meet with the Board of County Commissioners to discuss the process by which the board of commissioners will grant the remaining funding needed to complete the projects. The Board of Commissioners has to approve projects paid for by bond money.

The board also received updates on additional 2008 bond projects including Ragsdale High’s chiller installation and phase 1 HVAC replacement and renovation; Ragsdale High’s roof replacement; Allen Jay Middle’s rock gym; Southeast High’s athletics and preforming arts additions/renovations; and Summerfield Elementary’s rock gym HVAC renovation.

On May 6, 2008 Guilford County residents voted to approve $457 million in school bonds. The package contains 27 projects, which include five new schools and more than 6,500 new student seats. Thirteen schools will receive major renovations and additions. Of the prioritized list of projects, 93.5 percent of the request relieves overcrowding, 3.5 percent targets repairs and renovations and 3.0 percent is for district-wide improvements to heating and air conditioning systems.