By: Jeremy Handel, Staff Writer
The Spartanburg County School District Four Board of Trustees approved a $600,000 bond anticipation note resolution for expected expenditures next year and a $1.25 million general obligation bond resolution to cover a previous note and fund new expenses. The board also approved the issuance of a $100 million referendum to voters for the cost of building a new high school and upgrading other schools.
District Business Manager Chris Benfield presented the two bond items to the board. The first is a $600,000 bond anticipation note that is drawn regularly to fund maintenance and other capital items for the school year. The second is a $1.25 million general obligation, half of which is used to pay off the previous year’s $600,000 note and the remainder is to fund the upcoming capital expenditures. Mr. Benfield informed the board that the expenditures for the coming year have been identified in the budget. The notes were passed unanimously.
The board also heard presentations regarding the issuance of a $100 million referendum to voters in the district for the funding of a new high school and repairs and upgrades for the district’s other schools. The referendum is part of the district’s plans to prepare for coming growth in the area and to ensure Woodruff can continue to accommodate its students.
The referendum is expected to be filed with the state this month and will go to voters on August 9. The district’s bond attorney presented to the board regarding precautions that need to be taken in discussing the referendum, including not using district facilities, materials, vehicles, or other property to promote approval of the referendum.
A consultant with First Tryon also presented to the board regarding the financial implications of the referendum. If approved, the district millage would increase from its current 19 mills to 49 mills, which would result in a property tax increase of $10 per month on a $100,000 house.
In other business, the trustees approved $2,000 for a wetlands delineation project to determine what parts of the property designated for the new high school may be considered wetlands; approved approximately $50,000 for new countertops, sinks, cabinets, and other work and Woodruff Primary School; and approved nearly $20,000 for new teacher storage cabinets at Woodruff Middle School.
In district reports, staff reported:
Woodruff Primary School held its science fair on February 21 & 22 with 27 entries. The first, second, and third-place finishers in each category moved on to the Piedmont Region III Science Fair at USC Upstate. Students recognized at the region fair included: Ginny Dees – first place in biology; Emily Morton – honorable mention in biology; Chelsea Rossi – honorable mention in general science; and Avery Stonesifer – honorable mention in math and computer science.
Woodruff Elementary School held its science fair on February 17 with winners also moving on to the regional fair. Students recognized at the region fair included: Onyx Dixon – special award for Water Environment Association of South Carolina; Zoe Jane Lawson – second place in behavioral science; Giuliana Parris – second place in elementary math/computer science; and Anna Morton – second place in middle-grade math/computer science.
Woodruff Middle School announced that Mrs. Jami Guker was honored by the Palmetto State Teachers Association as district teacher of the year. Students in Mrs. Linder’s class received a framed U.S. flag that had been flown over the U.S. Capitol and a certificate recognizing their efforts in raising and lowering the flag every day of the school year. The flag was signed by Senator Lindsey Graham.
Woodruff High School had a presentation by Woodruff and Citadel alum Derek Royster on February 11. Royster presented on rising to challenges and tasked the students with setting high goals, working hard, and persevering.
District Four board meetings are held on the first Monday of every month and are open to the public. The next meeting will be held on Monday, April 4 at 6 p.m. at Woodruff Elementary School.
Author: Tracy Sanders
