Chapin, SC – Potential $240 Million Bond Referendum on the Horizon
The Lexington-Richland Five school district in Chapin is preparing to present a significant bond referendum to local voters. The school board is discussing whether to approve a $240 million plan, which aims to address urgent needs in school facilities and tackle the growing problem of overcrowding.
This decision comes after a lengthy discussion lasting over a year, focusing on the state of school facilities and zoning concerns in the district. If the board decides to move forward, the bond question will appear on the general election ballot in November. Approval from the voters would enable the district to fund much-needed infrastructure improvements, alleviate overcrowding at schools, fix the current awkward grade level structure, and complete essential repairs.
Superintendent Akil Ross emphasized that changes are necessary regardless of the bond vote outcome. “Providing a way to address your quality, safety, and security needs, to address your rezoning issues…I don’t know why you wouldn’t,” Ross stated, as he explained the two proposed plans for restructuring the district.
The bond would focus on enhancing school security, constructing a new Dutch Fork Elementary School, renovating the existing campus into a new Richlex Education Center, and making improvements to various other schools. Proposed upgrades include new secure entrances, renovations at several elementary and middle schools, and the addition of a digital lab and student center at high schools. There’s also a plan for athletic facilities, including practice pavilions for outdoor safety during extreme weather, although not all board members are convinced this should be a priority.
Addressing the Overflow
The bond referendum is crucial as the school population is rapidly shifting towards the Chapin area, pushing schools near their limits. This plan surrounds the idea of a “fix and fill plan” to repair old campuses and improve school configurations to better match the community’s demographics.
However, even if the bond does not pass, Superintendent Ross intends to continue with the restructuring while navigating through tight resources. The district could only afford the most necessary repairs, leading to more disruptive rezoning of students. Under the current plans, some students might need to be shifted to other campuses to resolve overcrowding.
Next Steps for the Community
The school board will make a decision on the bond issue during its next meeting on May 20. If the board approves the resolution, it will then be up to the voters to decide. Administrators are making it clear that they can implement these changes without increasing taxes for property owners, which is a key part of their campaign.
Community members are also given resources to view potential school zoning changes on the district’s website, regardless of the outcome of the bond referendum. The discussion surrounding the bond highlights deeper issues regarding school funding, student safety, and educational quality in the Lexington-Richland Five district.
