DARLINGTON, S.C. (WBTW) – The Darlington County School Board wants to replace older schools in the district but that plan needs voters’ support.
Darlington County School Board wants residents to decide on a $60 million dollar Penny Sales Tax that would build three new elementary schools.
Brunson-Dargan Elementary in Darlington is more than 50 years old and school officials say that can cause unsafe conditions. Marquita Williams is a parent of one of the students there. She says the school put up more fencing to make the school safer.
“They had a lot of break-ins over there before they put that fence up. After they put the fence up I think that’s people stopped walking through there,” Williams said.
In addition to open campuses the schools have old roofs and technology limitations.
If voters approve the sales tax on November Eighth, Brunson- Dargan and Cain Elementary Schools will combine and a new school will be built in Darlington.
Williams said, “I think it would be a good idea to build a bigger school and combine everything together.”
Two schools in Hartsville and Lamar will also merge and a school will be built in each of those areas.
Darlington County School Spokesperson, Audrey Childers said, “We just want to be able to provide the children with a modern up to date school that they can be proud of and that they learn and grow in.”
People who live in Darlington said an investment in education and safer schools is always a good idea.
Mary Thomas said, “That’s what it’s all about. It’s for their safety and education. You want them to be comfortable.”
Darlington County School Board said if the Penny Sales Tax is approved taxpayers will pay the same amount they are currently paying.
If voters don’t approve the Penny Sales Tax the school board will work on a plan to build the schools one at a time over a longer period of time. That may mean a tax increase.
