Chapin, SC Schools Consider $240 Million Bond Referendum
Chapin, SC – The Lexington-Richland Five school district is contemplating a $240 million bond referendum that could be placed on the ballot for the November elections. This decision comes after prolonged discussions about increasing overcrowding in local schools and the need for facility upgrades.
The school board is expected to make a vote on the bond resolution during a meeting scheduled for May 20. If approved, the funds would primarily address overcrowding at Chapin High School and other schools in the district. Superintendent Akil Ross stated that regardless of the bond’s approval, changes are coming to the district to improve safety, security, and instructional programs.
The proposed bond would focus on several key areas. Among the projects are updates for school security, including new secure entrances at twelve campuses and upgraded security cameras. The plan also includes building a new Dutch Fork Elementary School and renovating the current campus into the Richlex Education Center, which would accommodate various district programs.
Other potential improvements associated with the bond funds involve renovations and expansions at various schools, including the addition of classroom wings at Chapin and Lake Murray elementaries and a digital lab at Dutch Fork High. If surplus funds arise, money could be allocated for outdoor athletic practice pavilions at the district’s high schools, a plan that has sparked discussions among board members regarding prioritization.
Addressing Overcrowding and Future Plans
The population shift towards the Chapin area has resulted in schools nearing their student capacity limits. To tackle this, the district is planning to restructure and rezone school zones starting in the 2026-2027 school year. One of the proposals is converting Chapin Intermediate School into Chapin Middle School, while the existing Chapin Middle would become Spring Hill Middle. This would standardize the grade structures from elementary through high school.
Among the debated topics is whether the plan to utilize Spring Hill as a solution for Chapin High’s overcrowding will be sufficient. Some board members have raised concerns about the availability of high school amenities at Spring Hill. They fear this approach might not adequately relieve the pressure on Chapin High.
The Road Ahead
While the school board is hopeful that voters will support the bond measure, they are also preparing for a scenario where the bond does not pass. In that case, the district would focus on urgent repairs, which could result in more disruptive rezoning and a further squeeze on school capacities.
Superintendent Ross emphasized that the need for change is unavoidable. He urged parents to consider the implications of not voting for the bond, stating that current zoning issues will still require attention, making the upcoming decisions critical for the future of Chapin and surrounding schools.
The school district’s administration is making a compelling case for the bond, noting that it could fund necessary upgrades without raising the current property tax rate. They aim to assuage concerns about rezoning by informing parents that such changes are inevitable regardless of the bond’s outcome.
As the school board prepares for its upcoming meeting, the community is encouraged to stay informed about the developments and consider the potential impacts on local education and infrastructure.
