Lexington County Residents Weigh Impact of $240 Million Bond Referendum for Local Schools

Lexington County Residents Consider Bond Referendum

If you’re in Lexington County and haven’t made your way to the polls yet, you might want to pay attention! There’s a big decision looming on the ballot that could profoundly affect local schools—specifically, the Lexington Richland Five bond referendum.

What’s on the Table?

The bond referendum aims to generate an impressive $240 million for various district projects, as outlined by the district superintendent, Dr. Akil Ross. Now, you might be wondering, “What’s the cost to taxpayers?” Worry not! According to Ross, “To service the debt on this bond would cost the same,” meaning the tax rate wouldn’t change whether the bond passes or fails. It has been structured carefully through amortization.

Why Do We Need This?

Ross noted that the district has identified over $182 million in urgent needs regarding facilities, plus tackling capacity issues on one side of the district is also essential. This bond could provide funding crucial for upgrading plumbing and roofing systems, enhancing security through advanced cameras and secure entry points, and introducing innovative instructional programs focused on entrepreneurship and artificial intelligence.

What Are the Voters Saying?

Michael Sims expressed concern, saying, “What we need more of is management and the money’s not being managed right. We don’t know where the money’s going and they keep asking for more and more money, and we’ve got to put a stop to it.” It seems that transparency and proper management are critical points for some voters.

On the flip side, Ralph Lacomba thinks the bond is necessary for the community’s schools, stating, “There are a lot of schools, like we talked earlier, that are kind of long in the tooth that need to have some updating done. There are some other schools that have been built with the latest, greatest kind of stuff, and I think the schools around here have been let down a little bit.”

What Happens If It Doesn’t Pass?

If the bond referendum doesn’t make it past the voting booth, Ross warned that the district would have to “re-evaluate needs” and figure out what can and cannot be tackled without the funding. This could leave some much-needed projects on the back burner.

The Importance of Being Informed

Ahead of Election Day, Ross emphasizes the importance of voters doing their own research. Making an informed choice is crucial in shaping the future of the community’s schools, especially when so many projects are at stake. The bond could play a significant role in how effective and safe the learning environments in the district can be.

So, if you’re still on the fence about voting or need more information about this bond referendum, remember that every voice matters! Get informed, discuss with your neighbors, and make sure your vote is counted!