Chapin Residents Prepare to Vote on $240 Million School Funding Referendum

Chapin, S.C. Residents Face Big Decision on School Funding

As voters in Chapin gear up for a significant decision, the Lexington-Richland School District Five is making headlines with a proposed $240 million referendum that could transform local schools and influence where students attend classes starting in the 2026-2027 school year. This ballot measure doesn’t just have financial implications; it’s set to have a lasting impact on the educational landscape of this rapidly growing area.

Why the Referendum Matters

If approved, the funds from the referendum will be allocated to both revamping existing schools and constructing new ones. The district is looking to raise funds through a mechanism allowed under the School Bond Act, which permits a school district to issue up to 8% debt of its total assessed value. For Lexington-Richland 5, that translates to nearly $52 million. However, anything over that amount requires a voter-approved referendum, making this vote critically important.

Akil Ross, the superintendent of the district, has articulated the goals of this initiative clearly. “We are trying to accomplish two objectives: increase safety and increase productivity,” he explained. The proposed improvements come in response to the heightened demand for educational facilities, especially in the Chapin area.

What’s on the Table?

If the referendum passes, it will fund several key initiatives. This includes the construction of a new Dutch Fork Elementary School and the addition of new classroom wings at both Lake Murray and Chapin Elementary Schools. At present, approximately 24 classrooms at these schools exist as separate structures from the main buildings, raising safety concerns for students and staff alike.

Moreover, overwhelming growth in the Chapin area means that many schools are already operating at or beyond capacity. Superintendent Ross noted that some schools have had to merge programs due to lack of space, saying, “We are doubling up a lot of programs in our single buildings, so this way everyone will get their own program space that will be best suited for their programs and their outcomes.”

Safety Measures and Building Repairs

Safety is a significant focus of the proposed improvements as well. Plans include constructing 12 new security rooms where visitors will go through a weapon detection system and installing upgraded security cameras district-wide. “We want to ensure our students and staff feel safe and secure while they learn,” Ross affirmed.

But it’s not just about new constructions and safety features. A substantial portion of the funding will address required repairs in eight schools. This includes HVAC replacements, roofing repairs, and renovated restrooms. Ross mentioned that the cost for a new roof can be shocking, stating, “$3 million just to put a roof on an elementary school. That’s the sticker shock we’re seeing in today’s economy.”

The Impact of the Vote

Regardless of the outcome of the referendum, the district is planning to rezone to tackle areas where they are exceeding capacity, and a vote in favor would further enhance school facilities. On the flip side, should residents reject the referendum, district officials indicated they may need to relocate students to the Dutch Fork area, which has more available space.

It’s a tough choice for voters: investing in new structures and fixing up existing schools or relying on rezoning to alleviate overcrowding. If the referendum passes, it essentially means taking on debt, which the district aims to pay back over a period of 20 years. Good news for residents—there’s no expected tax increase since the district would only surpass the tax increase threshold if they sought over $400 million in a previous referendum.

Conclusion

This upcoming vote places a critical decision in the hands of Chapin residents, and it’s clear that the outcome will have far-reaching consequences for the community’s education system. With many students poised to benefit from improved facilities and enhanced safety measures, it promises to be a defining moment for the future of education in Chapin, S.C.