Chapin, SC Residents Could Vote on $240 Million School Bond
Chapin, South Carolina – The Lexington-Richland Five school district is preparing for a significant decision regarding its schools. The school board is expected to consider a bond resolution that could lead to a $240 million bond referendum being placed on the November ballot. This decision comes after more than a year of discussions focused on the district’s facilities and the increasing need for more space due to growing student numbers.
School officials, led by Superintendent Akil Ross, have indicated that this funding is necessary for essential renovations and for addressing overcrowding issues at local schools, especially Chapin High School. “We need to address quality, safety, and security needs,” Ross stated. The meeting to discuss the bond resolution is set for May 20, marking a crucial moment for school officials and local parents alike.
Proposed Projects and Changes
If voters approve the bond, the funds would support various projects aimed at updating and expanding school facilities across the district. Key proposals include:
- Building a new Dutch Fork Elementary School.
- Renovating existing schools, including Dutch Fork High and Irmo Middle School.
- Installing security upgrades like secure entrances and cameras at all campuses.
- Creating a digital and AI-focused lab at Dutch Fork High.
Additionally, if funds allow, the district aims to build pavilions for outdoor sports practices. Concerns have been raised about whether this specific project is a wise use of taxpayer dollars.
Responding to Overcrowding
With a significant population increase in the Chapin area, the district plans to rezone schools to address the overcrowding. Currently, Chapin High School is nearing its capacity and faces pressure to accommodate more students. The proposed plan suggests reconfiguring grades and restructuring school boundaries, which could help redistribute students more evenly across schools.
Ross elaborated, “Our goal is to create an educational environment that meets the needs of the community and prepares students for their future.” The targeting of the 2026-27 school year for these changes indicates a clear timeline for parents and students to anticipate.
Tax Implications and Community Response
School leaders have assured that if voters approve the bond, there will not be an increase in property tax rates due to this funding. However, they caution that individual property taxes may still rise based on property reassessments.
As the time draws near for voters to weigh in, community discussions are heating up. Many parents are concerned about how rezoning will affect their children and whether the proposed changes will genuinely alleviate the issues of overcrowding.
“Rezoning is going to happen regardless,” noted board chair Rebecca Blackburn Hines, emphasizing the need for transformation within the district to improve the educational experience.
The outcome of the school board’s decision on the bond referendum could shape the future of education in Chapin and Irmo, with a commitment to enhancing the quality and availability of educational resources in fast-growing communities.
As the meeting date approaches, the school board encourages parent feedback and participation to create a well-informed community ready to vote on these crucial developments in their school district.
