Chapin and Irmo Schools Consider Major Bond Referendum
Plans for $240 Million to Address Overcrowding
In Chapin, South Carolina, the Lexington-Richland Five school board is moving towards a decision on a significant bond referendum that could greatly impact local schools. The proposed bond, totaling $240 million, stems from ongoing concerns about overcrowding in schools and the need for essential upgrades and repairs across the district.
The school board is set to meet on May 20 to vote on whether to place this question on the November ballot. If approved by voters, the funds from the bonds would be used to improve infrastructure, as well as to resolve issues related to school zoning and grade level structures.
Superintendent Akil Ross highlighted the urgency of these upgrades, stating, “We need to address quality, safety, and security needs in our schools.” His administration has drafted two options: one plan includes the use of the bond money, while the other does not.
Key Infrastructure Improvements Planned
The bond funds would prioritize security enhancements, including the installation of secure entrances and updated security cameras at all campuses. Other projects may include the construction of a new Dutch Fork Elementary School and renovations to enhance facilities like the Richlex Education Center.
Additional projects could cover necessary renovations at various elementary and middle schools, expansions at elementary schools, and even a digital lab focusing on artificial intelligence at Dutch Fork High. There’s also a proposal for a small business incubator at Irmo High.
One noteworthy project that raised eyebrows among board members is a proposed $13.8 million athletic practice facility that would serve all three high schools. Some members question whether these funds should be allocated for athletics, especially when there are pressing needs in other areas.
Changing Demographics Drive the Plans
The restructuring plan is largely fueled by changing demographics within the district. The population has increasingly shifted towards the Chapin area, pushing several schools to their student capacity limits.
The administration proposes to rezone district schools beginning in the 2026-27 school year, redistributing students to better balance population sizes across schools. This includes converting the current Chapin Intermediate into a Chapin Middle School and repurposing Chapin Middle to become a new Spring Hill Middle School.
Although some board members express hesitations, citing that more substantial changes might be necessary to accommodate student forecasts, Ross insists that moving forward with the bond will ease conditions without raising the tax rate.
The Future Awaits
If the board approves the referendum question for the November ballot, it will ultimately be in the hands of voters. The district emphasizes that successful approval would not mean an increase in property taxes for residents. However, reassessment of property values might still lead to higher individual tax bills.
As residents await the board’s decision, they may start to ponder how these significant changes could shape the educational landscape for their children in Chapin and Irmo.
In the meantime, more discussions will take place to clarify community preferences and explain the potential impacts of the bond referendum.
