Early voting kickstarts for Dorchester School District Two $200M bond for school improvements

Summerville, South Carolina – Starting Monday, early voting begins for a highly debated referendum in the Dorchester School District Two area. Voters can cast their ballots early every weekday until May 10 at the Marcia O’Brien Conference Center from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. This voting center is situated at 200 Stadium Circle in Summerville, right behind the Summerville Elementary School. The main election day is scheduled for May 14.

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The referendum was initiated by the Dorchester School District Two Board of Trustees to tackle various challenges stemming from the county’s rapid expansion. These challenges include overcrowded schools, high student-to-teacher ratios, and outdated school facilities.

The ballot for this special election asks the following question:

Shall the Board of Trustees of School District No. 2 of Dorchester County, South Carolina (the “School District”) be empowered to issue, at one time or from time to time, general obligation bonds of the School District, in a principal amount of not exceeding $200,000,000, the proceeds of which shall be used to finance the costs (including architectural, engineering, legal and related fees, and land acquisition, if necessary) of the following:

• Constructing, acquiring, and installing additional safety and security enhancements at all school facilities
• Constructing and equipping a new PreK-5 elementary school in the area of the Ponds Development
• Constructing and equipping a new PreK-5 elementary school in the area of the Yerby Development
• Constructing and equipping renovations and additions to Knightsville Elementary School
• Constructing and equipping renovations and additions to Sand Hill Elementary School
• Constructing and equipping renovations and additions to Summerville Elementary School
• Constructing and equipping renovations and additions to Ashley Ridge High School
• Constructing and equipping renovations and additions to Summerville High School
• Constructing and equipping renovations and additions to Fort Dorchester High School
• Internal and external renovations and improvements at multiple school facilities
• Replacing and repairing roofing at multiple school facilities
• Acquiring and installing equipment and furniture at multiple school facilities
• Constructing improvements to outside areas including parking lots, driveways, landscaping, and sidewalks at multiple school facilities

To clearly communicate the necessity of the referendum and its objectives, school district officials have developed a slideshow. It presents data showing that three schools within the district are currently over capacity, with several others close to their limits. The presentation also highlights the ongoing and planned housing developments, which are expected to continue driving growth at a rate described as unsustainable.

The district has been preparing for this referendum, the first in 12 years, since 2020 by conducting detailed studies of its facilities and demographic trends. They have also set aside funds specifically for this purpose. Recently, several campaign signs promoting a “Vote Yes For Schools” message were vandalized, with alterations urging a “Vote No For Tax.”

“Dorchester Two Citizens for School Improvements”, the group asking community members to vote yes for the referendum, is holding a press conference in Hutchinson Square in Summerville on Monday at 5 p.m.

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Officials highlight that this referendum involves no new taxes or millage rate increases. The district has made available a range of educational materials, including a slideshow, a video, and a detailed FAQ document to inform voters. Those wishing to vote in the referendum need to present a valid ID, ensure their voter registration is current, and have registered at least 30 days before the voting date on May 14.