News Summary
Spartanburg County school districts are proposing two significant bond referendums to address increasing enrollment and aging facilities. District 5 seeks a $200 million bond, while District 1 proposes a $140 million bond, all aimed at constructing new schools and renovating old ones without raising taxes. With enrollment expected to surge, both districts emphasize the need for improved educational infrastructure. Community support for these proposals appears robust as residents recognize the importance of enhancing facilities to accommodate growth in the area.
Spartanburg, SC – Spartanburg County school districts are taking significant steps to address growing enrollment and aging facilities by proposing two large bond referendums. Spartanburg School District 5 is seeking a $200 million bond on the November 4 ballot, while Spartanburg School District 1 is proposing a $140 million bond for the same date. Both referendums aim to fund the construction of new schools and the renovation of existing facilities without raising taxes for residents.
Spartanburg School District 5 plans to replace the existing James Byrnes Freshman Academy and build a new middle school and elementary school as part of its proposed $200 million bond. District projections suggest that student enrollment will exceed 14,000 by 2034, with a 16% increase expected in just the next five years. Currently, the district enrolls over 11,000 students for the 2025-26 academic year. Major projects in the proposal include a new middle school in southern District 5, a replacement for Duncan Elementary School, and a new Byrnes Freshman Academy. Additionally, the funding will support the acquisition of land for future school sites and renovation of existing facilities.
This is not the first time District 5 has turned to voters for support in improving educational infrastructure. In 2021, over 80% of District 5 voters approved a $295 million bond referendum that facilitated the construction of a new Abner Creek Middle School and a new Tyger River Elementary School, as well as various renovations at Byrnes High School and Reidville Elementary School.
On the other hand, Spartanburg School District 1, which has not constructed a new school in over 20 years, is presenting a $140 million bond referendum to address pressing facilities needs. The district’s buildings average 58 years old, significantly older than the state average of 48 years. Proposed projects include rebuilding T.E. Mabry Middle School and O.P. Earle Elementary School, as well as expanding New Prospect Elementary School. The new O.P. Earle Elementary School would be designed to accommodate nearly double the capacity of its current building, an acknowledgment of the increasing demand for educational space.
Both districts emphasize the necessity for new infrastructure to keep up with local growth. The proposed funding in District 1 would be sourced through general obligation bonds that will not lead to increased taxes for residents.
Community support for both bond referendums appears to be strong. Local residents are recognizing the critical need for improved educational facilities to keep pace with the area’s growth. With these ambitious plans, both Spartanburg School District 5 and Spartanburg School District 1 aim to provide quality learning environments for their students, reflecting a commitment to educational advancement amidst demographic changes.
As the November 4 ballot approaches, voters in Spartanburg County will have the opportunity to consider these proposals aimed at enhancing the future of educational infrastructure in their communities.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Capacity Concerns Push Spartanburg School District to Propose $200 Million Referendum
- Wikipedia: Spartanburg County, South Carolina
- WSPA: Spartanburg District One Voters to Decide on $140M Bond Referendum for New Schools
- Google Search: Spartanburg school district referendum
- Fox Carolina: Spartanburg Co. School Board Approves $140 Million Referendum for November Ballot
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School
- Tryon Daily Bulletin: District One Seeks $140M for School Upgrades
- Google News: Spartanburg school referendum results
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.
