News Summary
Voters in Spartanburg School District One will decide on a proposed $140 million project to build two new schools and renovate an existing school, all without raising taxes. The project aims to modernize aging infrastructure, addressing issues at Mabry Middle School and expanding facilities at New Prospect Elementary. Informational meetings will be held to engage the community and explain the project’s benefits, which seek to enhance educational environments for students in the district.
Spartanburg – Voters in Spartanburg School District One will have an important decision to make this November regarding a proposed $140 million project aimed at improving educational facilities in the area. The project plans to build two new schools and renovate one existing school, all while ensuring there is no increase in taxes for local residents.
The proposed construction includes new facilities for Mabry Middle School and O.P. Earl Elementary. Additionally, significant renovations are planned for New Prospect Elementary, which will feature an expansion that includes a new cafeteria and kitchen, as well as the addition of eight new classrooms. This initiative is part of the district’s effort to modernize aging educational environments and improve learning conditions for students.
Currently, the average age of school buildings within Spartanburg School District One is approximately 58 years, which is significantly older than the state average of 48 years. This aging infrastructure has led to numerous challenges, particularly at Mabry Middle School, where students must navigate between five different buildings for their classes, complicating their daily routines. The need for modernized facilities has become increasingly pressing as maintenance issues related to mechanical systems, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical infrastructure become more frequent and costly in older buildings.
DJ Brown, the Director of Student Services for Spartanburg School District One, underscores the urgent necessity for the proposed modernization. The new plan aims to address essential infrastructure issues while improving the overall educational environment for students and staff alike.
The project financing will be accomplished through a borrowing strategy that takes advantage of the growth in property values within the district. Under this plan, the same tax rate currently in place will produce additional revenue for the school district, effectively negating any increase in taxes for local residents. This financial strategy is designed to ensure that the improvements can be made without financial burden on the community.
If the project receives approval from voters, it is expected to greatly enhance the educational facilities throughout the Spartanburg School District. The modernized schools will not only meet current educational standards but also cater to the growing needs of the community’s student population.
To inform residents about the proposal and how it will affect them, the school district is planning a series of informational meetings in the coming weeks. These sessions will provide community members with essential details about the project and an opportunity to voice any questions or concerns they may have. Engaging the community in this process is vital to ensure that everyone understands the implications and benefits of the proposed upgrades.
In conclusion, the proposed $140 million project in Spartanburg School District One aims to construct two new schools and renovate an existing one without raising local taxes. This initiative addresses the urgent need to modernize aging school buildings and is a significant step towards improving educational facilities for current and future generations.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Spartanburg Co School Board Approves $140 Million Referendum
- Wikipedia: Spartanburg
- WSPA: Spartanburg School District 3 Starts 2025-2026 School Year
- Google Search: Spartanburg School District
- Post and Courier: Spartanburg District One’s New Schools
- Google Scholar: Spartanburg School Facilities
- Fox Carolina: School District New Detection Systems Rollout
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Spartanburg
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
