HAMPSTEAD, NC - Progress continues at the future J.H. Lea Elementary and Middle School campus in Hampstead, where construction remains on schedule for an August 2027 opening. Board of Education Chair Beth Burns, along with Board Members Jennifer Hansen and Tom Reeves, visited the build site to see the latest developments and meet with project leaders from Bordeaux Construction.
During the visit, the Board members received a comprehensive update from Ben Warren, Vice President of Bordeaux Construction and project manager for the project. Warren shared that the school is “tracking right where we want to be” and highlighted several recently completed structural milestones. Large portions of the campus, including the main gymnasium and cafeteria, are already fully roofed in, providing enclosed spaces for crews to continue interior work through the winter months.
One of the key moments of the day was the celebration of a major safety achievement: 150,000 man-hours worked without a single lost-time incident. To honor this accomplishment, the construction team gathered for a celebratory lunch inside the new gymnasium. Chair Burns and the visiting Board members joined in to congratulate the crews for their dedication to both safety and quality.
“This project represents an enormous investment in the future of Pender County’s students,” said Superintendent Dr. Brad Breedlove. “Seeing the progress firsthand reinforces our confidence that this campus will be a place where children learn, grow, and thrive for generations to come.”
Board Chair Beth Burns echoed those sentiments, praising both the construction team and the long-term vision behind the project. “Every beam, every wall, and every milestone brings us closer to opening doors for our students,” Burns said. “This campus will provide opportunities that our community can be proud of, and we’re grateful for those who are making it a reality.”