Legislators Endorse School Building Referendum

Local legislators are endorsing Berkeley County School District's bond referendum on the November ballot. Their support follows the launch of Yes 4 Schools, a volunteer effort in support of the referendum.

The district is asking voters to approve spending $198 million for 5 new schools and renovations at 29 existing sites.

If approved, new sites include elementary schools in at Sheep Island Road, Tanner Plantation and Foxbank Plantation, and a new high school and middle school in the Daniel Island/Cainhoy area.

There will also be improvements to several schools, including large projects at Goose Creek High and Stratford High to address overcrowding.

Read the Berkeley schools ballot referendum as it will appear on the ballot

"Goose Creek High School was built for elementary students," said S.C. Rep. Joe Daning (R-Goose Creek). "Stratford High School students are eating on the floor. The Yes 4 Schools referendum will help get our students out of trailers and off the floor, and back into an environment where learning takes center stage."

Other supporters in the legislature include S.C. Sens. Paul Campbell (R-Goose Creek) and John Mathews (D-Orangeburg) and S.C. Rep. Joe Jefferson (R-Pineville).

"I know how tough it is competing for industry in the global marketplace," said Campbell, a former Alcoa executive. "One key we've got to have is an educated workforce. Our students are struggling to learn in severely over crowded and outdated facilities."

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