Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
The Barnwell County School District board is expected to vote on a location for a new county-wide high school.
In June, a community meeting was held to present four options for a new comprehensive high school and career center to serve students from across Barnwell County.
Three involve the current Barnwell High School (BHS) site and the other would find a neutral location. Following a July workshop to discuss the facility plan, including possible locations for a neutral site, the board again met during a workshop on Friday, Sept. 6.
“We can forget options two, three and four,” said BCSD board chairman Terry Richardson of the three options involving the current BHS site. “We’re past that.”
While building on the current BHS site would save money, multiple reasons were cited for not moving forward with any of those options, including being landlocked, disruption to students during construction, and not being centralized.
Selecting a neutral location is believed to be the best option, though it will cost more, could take longer to complete, and won’t leave money for renovations of facilities in Blackville and Williston.
This will also allow the district to save the BHS facilities, which have undergone renovations in recent years. Other pros are that students won’t be disrupted during construction, all athletic fields can be on one site, and everything will fit better.
At the Sept. 6 workshop, BCSD Superintendent Dr. Crissie Stapleton reviewed neutral locations the board discussed at their July workshop. This includes three sites on Highway 278 and one on Highway 3.
“We’ve been looking at lots of options,” said Stapleton. “When you vote (on a location), it will turn us loose to do a lot more.”
After eliminating some options due to space limitations or being in a flood plain, the board is focusing on an 88- acre tract of land on Highway 37 near the intersection with Highway 278. This property was recommended by county and economic development officials.
"The future has more possibilities at 278," said Stapleton.
Though a vote is needed before a formal agreement can be made, the property owner is interested in selling, she said.
The property has enough room to house the new school along with athletic facilities and parking.
Situated beside this property is an additional 63 acres that could house a proposed farm and arena. The property already has stables and a barn.
“It’s prepped, ready and fits. I think we save a lot from the farm arena estimate. There are so many grants possible when talking about an agriculture program,” said board member Becky Huggins.
Building a new school on a neutral site is estimated to cost $134,953,805. The cost for the arena and farm is estimated to cost $13,578,085.
The district has $120 million in funding available, including $105 million from the Savannah River Site plutonium settlement, $10 million in funds received for the career center, and $5 million recently given by State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver.
To cover the remainder, Stapleton said there are options to look at, such as an overage of $10.5 million from their fund balance, interest on the money they have (estimated $5 million in year one), municipal grants for utility costs, USDA grants, and industries possibly helping with equipment for the career center programs.
Richardson commended Stapleton and her team for being good stewards of the district’s finances.
“I think everything has come together. We’re not going to please everybody. We've done our due diligence and found the best central location we can come up with,” said board member Dr. Andy Sandifer. Stapleton said the new school will have a “wow factor” and be a visible part of the community.
"This is a great opportunity for the whole county,” said Huggins.
Before the district can move forward in the process, including getting the State Department of Education’s Office of School Facilities involved, the board must take a vote.
They scheduled a public meeting for Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 6 p.m., which was after press time.
