Lexington County Residents Prepare for Crucial Bond Referendum Vote Impacting Local Schools

Lexington County, S.C. Gears Up for Bond Referendum Vote

If you find yourself in **Lexington County** and haven’t yet cast your ballot, there’s an important issue on the docket: the Lexington-Richland Five bond referendum. This isn’t just another box to check; it represents a potential shift in how our local schools are funded and maintain our educational infrastructures. With **$240 million** at stake, let’s dive into the details of what this could mean for our community.

Understanding the Bond Proposal

According to the district superintendent, Dr. Akil Ross, this bond aims to fund a range of projects across the district. But what does that really mean for our schools and our tax bills? Dr. Ross clarified, “To service the debt on this bond would cost the same. We have structured it through amortization, so if the bond referendum passes or fails, the tax rate is the same.” This indicates that whether we say yes or no, our tax contributions won’t increase, which is a sigh of relief for many.

But here’s the kicker: if this bond passes, it would open up an avenue for borrowing and long-term debt that would need to be settled over the next **20 years**. Dr. Ross also mentioned that the district has pinpointed over **$182 million** worth of needs in our school facilities alone. That’s serious business when it comes to ensuring our children learn in a safe and modern environment.

Project Highlights

So, what exactly would this funding go towards? Well, the bond would allow the district to tackle numerous issues like fixing plumbing and roofing problems, adding advanced security measures like state-of-the-art cameras, and improving school entries to enhance safety. But it doesn’t stop there. The initiative also aims to implement instructional programs focused on entrepreneurship and artificial intelligence, ensuring our students are well-equipped for the future job market.

Voices from the Community

Michael Sims expressed his concerns about the management of funds. “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,” he voiced passionately.

On the flip side, voter Ralph Lacomba opined that many of our schools are in dire need of updating. “There’s a lot of schools… that are kind of long in the tooth — that need to have some updating done. There’s 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,” he said.

What If It Doesn’t Pass?

Dr. Ross also pointed out a critical aspect to consider—if the bond doesn’t pass, the district would have to reassess its needs and sadly decide which plans won’t move forward. “We would have to reevaluate our needs,” he stated, making it clear just how important this decision is for our district.

Stay Informed Before Casting Your Vote

As Election Day approaches, Dr. Ross urges community members to do their homework. Researching the implications of this bond referendum could be the key to making an informed decision. And of course, if you need more details, be sure to check out the bond referendum website for comprehensive information.

The choice to support this bond isn’t just about the immediate costs; it’s about the long-term health of our schools and the educational quality we offer our children. This is our chance to shape the future of education in **Lexington County**, so let your voice be heard!