Spartanburg School District 7 Voters to Decide on $47 Million Bond Referendum

August Referendum Will Determine Future of Boyd Elementary Replacement

In a bid to address the growing student enrollment and upgrade aging facilities, Spartanburg School District 7 is set to hold a crucial referendum on August 20. The $47 million bond referendum aims to replace Jesse Boyd Elementary School and construct an addition to Mary H. Wright Elementary School.

Impact on Taxpayers

If approved, the 9 mill increase will have the following impact on annual tax bills:

• Tax increase on owner-occupied homes by $36 per $100,000 of value
• For a $250,000 home, an additional $90 annually
• Taxes on other properties to rise by $54 per $100,000 of value
• Vehicle taxes to increase by $5.40 per $10,000 of value
• Manufacturers and utilities to witness a tax increase of $945 per $1 million in value

Notably, homestead exemptions are available for homeowners aged 65 and above, or those who are permanently disabled or legally blind.

Background and Proposal

The need for a new Jesse Boyd Elementary School became evident after an in-depth study of the district’s capital needs. Estimated costs for renovations at the school were found to be comparable to building a new facility. The proposed 125,000-square-foot school would cost approximately $55 million and could accommodate about 700 students.

If the referendum passes, the new school will be constructed at the former site of McCracken Middle School on Webber Road, with the old building being slated for demolition. Construction is expected to commence in late 2025, culminating in the opening of the new school in August 2027.

Jesse Boyd Elementary School, established in the mid-1960s, has not undergone major upgrades since 2000 and currently enrolls around 550 students. The new school aims to not only modernize facilities but also provide space for on-site child care to assist employees while at work.

Addressing Growth and Community Support

With the district anticipating a surge in student numbers due to planned housing developments, Superintendent Jeff Stevens emphasized the need to accommodate this growth. An addition to Mary H. Wright Elementary School, costing about $4.5 million, would include nearly 12,000 square feet of new classroom space.

The total cost of the proposed projects, including a new Jesse Boyd Elementary School and the Mary H. Wright addition, is estimated at $59.5 million. While the referendum covers a significant portion, the district’s debt service, general fund, and food service fund will also contribute to funding.

A community survey conducted by Wick Insights demonstrated strong support for the initiative, with 64% in favor of the construction plans. In the lead-up to the referendum, public meetings will be held to provide detailed information and address any concerns from residents.

Looking Ahead

As Spartanburg School District 7 gears up for the pivotal August referendum, Superintendent Stevens acknowledged the potential challenges in convincing voters of the necessity of the bond. Nonetheless, the district remains committed to upgrading facilities, accommodating growth, and enhancing educational experiences for students and staff alike.

Stay tuned for upcoming public meetings leading up to the referendum, where residents can engage with district officials and learn more about the proposed projects.