Marlboro County voters approve $10 million bond referendum for schools

MARLBORO COUNTY, SC (WBTW) – Marlboro County voters approved a $10 million referendum that will go towards repairs, renovations, and security upgrades for schools in the district.

“I can’t tell you enough how grateful I am that the community is allowing us this opportunity to move forward,” said Superintendent Dr. McCord. “We are very pleased with the support the public has shown us, and we plan to do great work.”

Dr. McCord said all of the schools will additions and upgrades by 2023, and Marlboro County High School will be the first school to get upgrades.

“We’re going to have a clear focus on safety and security in our buildings,” he told News13. “So we’re going to include upgrades and new additions for camera systems at each of our schools, and from that point we’re going to go to card-operated entry system doorways.”

Dr. McCord said it’s important for the school district to make the repairs so students and staff are in a healthy environment.

“Excited is probably an understatement,” Dr. McCord said. “We are ecstatic, I like that word better, we are ecstatic about what the future holds for our students here.”

Bennettsville Intermediate School

Current Facility Needs:

Safety and Security
- Card reader system for access control
- Security cameras
Renovated restroom facilities
Renovated auditorium
Upgrades to gym
New water coolers
Demolition of Out of Service buildings
Additional classrooms
New cafeteria
Playground equipment
Improved lighting in classrooms

Bennettsville Primary School

Current Facility Needs

Safety and Security
- Store front entrance for access control
- Card reader system for access control
- Security cameras

Renovated restroom facilities
New playground equipment
Improved classroom lighting

Blenheim Elementary-Middle School

Current Facility Needs:

Safety and Security
- Card reader system for access control
- Security cameras

Clio Elementary-Middle School

Current Facility Needs:

Safety and Security
- Store front entrance for access control
- Card reader system for access control
- Security cameras
New playground equipment
Updated athletic grounds

McColl Elementary Middle-School

Current Facility Needs:

Safety and Security
- No secure entrance
- No access control (card reader system)
- Security cameras
Renovated restroom facilities
Replace gutter system
New playground equipment
Improved grounds

Marlboro County High School

Current Facility Needs:

Safety and Security
- Card reader system for access control
- Security cameras
- Emergency generator replacement
- Fire panel replacement box
Renovated restroom facilities
Athletic facility upgrades
Roofing repairs
Re-surface student parking lot
Improved classroom lighting
Upgrades to media center
Upgrades to cafeteria and stage area