Aiken, S.C. Hosts Public Meeting on 1% Sales Tax for School Projects
On September 3, 2024, the Aiken County Board of Education (BOE) held its first of five public meetings regarding the renewal of a 1% sales tax aimed at funding crucial school renovations and projects. The meeting, attended by parents and community members, focused on discussing a significant $285 million budget for various school improvements across the district.
Sharing Information with the Community
Chief Officer of Finance, Tray Traxler, opened the meeting with a clear objective: “Our goal is to share information for stakeholders to be able to make the proper call–the call that they feel is best–about whenever we go to voters in November.” The BOE is looking to engage the community to understand their needs and concerns before heading to the polls.
Outline of the Proposed Projects
During the meeting, school leaders outlined five primary projects as part of the budget. The renovations would specifically target South Aiken, Midland Valley, and Silver Bluff High Schools, alongside North Augusta Middle School. Parents were eager to hear more about these plans, but many raised concerns over the lack of a detailed timeline for the completion of these projects.
One parent expressed this concern by asking, “What’s the plan? Your plan of what you’re gonna get done, about when you’re gonna get it done, before we vote on this.” This indicates a desire for clarity on which schools would receive upgrades first, stressing the importance of transparency in the planning process.
Addressing the Need for New Facilities
An essential part of the proposed renovations includes the construction of a new elementary school in Area 3. Parents voiced that existing facilities, like Greendale Elementary, are in dire need of replacement. “Greendale is really old. You walk through the hallways, and it looks exactly like it did when I was seven years old,” shared a concerned parent.
Further, they highlighted significant issues, such as persistent leaks in the roof, which have led to multiple patch jobs that still leave the facility vulnerable to water damage. “We’ve had issues with our roof. It’s been patched, and patched, and patched—and the patches aren’t cutting it,” lamented another parent, expressing their worry that the situation could lead to unsafe conditions for students and staff.
Contingency Projects and Funding Concerns
While the budget of $285 million includes a small list of contingency projects that could be initiated if additional funds become available, there are increasing concerns about rising costs making these projects unattainable. One parent raised a crucial query, “Let’s say the funds are not available, and Greendale gets nothing. What is the plan for Greendale when there comes a point we have to shut the doors?” This highlights the urgency of addressing the needs of aging school facilities to prevent further deterioration.
Upcoming Public Meetings
As the BOE prepares for the November vote regarding the sales tax renewal, they are committed to holding additional public meetings to facilitate further discussion and gather feedback from the community. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 9th, at Ridge Spring Monetta Middle High School.
Schedule of Public Meetings
- Tuesday, September 3rd at 6:30 PM at Silver Bluff High School
- Monday, September 9th at 6:30 PM at Ridge Spring Monetta Middle High School
- Tuesday, September 17th at 6:00 PM at South Aiken High School
- Tuesday, October 15th at 6:00 PM at North Augusta Middle School
- Monday, October 28th at 6:00 PM at Midland Valley High School
As the discussions continue, community members are encouraged to attend these meetings to voice their opinions and gain a better understanding of how the proposed sales tax could impact local schools.
