Voters Ok Bonds to Help School Dist. 4 Meet Growth

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Voters have given Anderson School Dist. 4 the green light to make available $115 million in general obligation bonds to build a new high school and expand and refit the other schools to meet the exponential growth projected in the next decade.

In a close vote, 2,406 voters approved the referendum, while 2,259 voted no on the measure.

"I am pleased that we get to move forward with our plan, and am grateful for the engement of our community in the process,” said Superintendent Dee Christopher, adding that he was pleased with the large turnout.

The funds would be used for building a new high school on property the district owns just behind the current high school and converting the current high school into Riverside Middle School (and moving sixth-grade students into that middle school). The location of the two facilities will also save money in the future, with some shared facilities.

Meanwhile, upgrades and renovations will make room for growth at Mt. Lebanon and La France elementary schools. Pendleton Elementary School and Townville Elementary would also see improvements. In addition, La France and Townville cafeterias will be expanded and updated. 

The district, which currently has just over 3,100 students, is projected to add another 1,200 students within the next nine years.

The total cost for all projects is $148 million, some of which will be covered by the district’s wise conservation of the penny-sales tax funds.

The bonds will cost owners of a $100,000 home additional $64 per year in taxes, or $32 per year for those with homestead exemption. A $200,000 homeowner will pay an additional $128 ($96 with homestead exemption), and a $300,000 homeowner will pay an additional $192 ($160 with homestead exemption).