About the Bond

We Took A Look At Our School Facilities, And...

The cost to make necessary repairs at each of the county's 32 public schools exceeds $429 million dollars, and the district actually only needs 39% of space available within our schools to serve the number of students enrolled and projected to enroll over the next decade.

We studied every inch of our school campuses to determine upgrades needed to create high-quality teaching and learning environments for the children of Orangeburg County. Findings were presented across the county in a series of Community Input Meetings held over the last several years.

Together, we analyzed repair needs and enrollment data and created a school improvement plan and funding opportunity that we're calling "School Improvements of Pride by 2025."

We invite you to learn more about the facility upgrades and funding through a no-tax increase bond referendum that was passed by voters in November 2022. Details on the projects and funding are detailed on this webpage. 

The Ballot Question Orangeburg County Voters Will Decide:

Shall the Board of Trustees of Orangeburg County School District, 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 $190,000,000, the proceeds of which shall be used to finance the costs (including architectural, engineering, legal and related fees) of the following:

• Constructing and equipping a new Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School;
• Constructing and equipping a new East Elementary School;
• Constructing and equipping a middle school wing at Lake Marion High School;
• Constructing and equipping a new wing at Clark Middle School;
• Constructing and equipping renovations and improvements to convert Howard Middle School to an elementary school;
• Constructing and equipping renovations and improvements to Edisto Primary School;
• Constructing and equipping renovations and improvements to Elloree Elementary School;
• Constructing and equipping renovations and improvements to various components of facilities at multiple existing schools, including, among others, athletics, auditorium, fine arts, and playgrounds; and
• Constructing and equipping site improvements at various existing facilities including, among others, demolition, traffic and parking?

BACKGROUND ON THE BOND

Facilities/Demography Studies & Info Shared

Voting Information

VOTER REGISTRATION
WHERE TO VOTE ABSENTEE BALLOT
Voting information on this webpage was derived from the Orangeburg County's website

Election Calendar

Just the Facts

Community Solutions More than 130 Community Meetings were held during the last two school years to share information with stakeholders about our public school facilities and to seek input on how best to address needs. The recommendations for improvements are directly related to suggestions received. No Tax Increase The Bond Referendum will not increase taxes. It would allow the district to advance funds that will be received annually over 20 years, making them available now to address current needs. Building Within Budget & On-Time The construction model selected for the projects will guarantee that facility improvement projects are delivered on-time and at the agreed-upon costs. The Construction Manager at Risk model provides architectural, engineering, surveying and actual construction costs at a guaranteed maximum price, protecting project budgets from spikes in construction costs like those experienced over the last several years. Reuse of Vacated School Facilities Consolidation of some school facilities will not result in abandoned schools, leaving an eyesore in the community. We invite individuals, groups and organizations interested in the possibility of future occupancy and ownership of a vacated school to share their interest and plans for community reuse with our superintendent. Funds have been allocated for demolition of any campuses or parts of campuses that are unable to be utilized within the community. District-Wide Campus Improvements The budget for the no-tax increase Bond Referendum does not extend to all schools in the District. Some schools are in good shape, but have mechanical system upgrade needs and/or require other improvements. Through the use of USDA Grant Funding and Energy Performance Contracting, the District is making updates to schools throughout the county.

Dates To Note

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