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School Referendum Delayed, Not Dead

Published Tuesday, September 30, 2008 5:20 PM

By Michael Tannebaum
Summerville Journal Scene

Although rumors are swirling that a bond referendum to build new schools and renovate existing schools in Dorchester District 2 is dead, officials maintain the referendum is simply being put on hold.

“The referendum has not been shelved by any means,” said School Board Chairman Bo Blanton. “We know the community is very supportive, but with economic times the way they are now, it would be difficult to get a referendum passed.”

The latest estimate is that the upgrades to district schools would cost approximately $155 million, according to Joseph Pye, DD2 Superintendent. That number will likely fluctuate and more specifics will be discussed by the Board and the community.

“After the Board and I agree on our prototype, the referendum could start at $155 million; however, neither I nor any Board member is married to a specific number,” said Pye. “Once we get feedback from the community, it could be $140 million or $240 million. It’s based on what the community thinks the district’s needs are and what they will support.”

While the timing of the referendum remains in question, Board members agree that more classrooms are needed because the district’s growth continues to outpace capacity.

“If the economy were good, the referendum would already have been presented,” said Blanton. “Clearly, the need is there.”

Pye added, “If what I have seen in the last two weeks continues, I don’t see the referendum happening in March [2009] as originally anticipated. I’m very frightened with the economic situation; however, we have had these scares in the past and bounced right back.”

A $165 referendum would increase taxes on a $100,000 home by $96 each year, according to DD2 finance director Allyson Duke.

The referendum would help support the rapidly rising number of students in DD2, which is one of the fastest growing school districts in the state. Currently, DD2 enrollment is around 22,000. Over the last several years, the district has increased by about 900 students per year.

Among the proposed changes are the building of four new schools to open between 2011 and 2013 as well as additions and renovations to many elementary, middle, and high schools.

Schools designated to receive additional classrooms or multi-purpose rooms include Alston Middle School, Ashley Ridge High School, Flowertown Elementary School, Fort Dorchester High School, Knightsville Elementary School, Newington Elementary School, Oakbrook Elementary School, Spann Elementary School, Summerville Elementary School and Summerville High School.

Another proposed renovation is to combine Rollings Middle School and Summerville Elementary School to provide more classroom space. Rollings Middle School would then be converted into the DD2 Office.

Despite the proposed building and construction, Pye acknowledged that increasing property taxes to fund DD2’s needs may not sit well with voters in today’s economy.

“At the next meeting, the Board and I are going to present our concerns about the referendum so we can decide when, how and if we think we can make it happen,” said Pye.

Pye noted that despite economic woes, people continue to move to the district.

“I expected registration numbers to drop this year and was shocked that we actually had 880 more students,” said Pye. Even in a bad economy, 880 still came. I have to find room for these children.”

Pye said that he has encountered members of the community who support the referendum despite the economic hardships; however, he has also met with people that would not support the referendum at this point in time.

“The needs of our community right now are not focused on our schools, but rather how people are going to make a living and survive,” said Pye. “If people are worried about being able to feed their children, they’re not interested in classroom space.”

The next board meeting will be held Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. at 102 Greenwave Blvd., Summerville.

Contact Michael Tannebaum at 873-9424 ext. 215 or mtannebaum@journalscene.com

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