Referendum Press Releases

815 South Main Street
Summerville, SC 29483
(843) 873-2901 • FAX (843) 873-4053

 

Dorchester School District Two Board of Trustees approves a resolution for a

special election to be held on May 14th for a bond referendum to address growth.

DDTwo Board of Trustees unanimously approved a resolution to hold a special election on May 14 for a bond referendum to address growth. The goal is to implement a sustainable long-term plan for our facilities to eliminate overcrowding, lower teacher-to-student ratios in the classroom and improve aging schools.

 

Why: The district faces two critical challenges that require the necessity to pursue a bond referendum.

The first challenge is building capacity. Increased enrollment (3,000 students since 2012) has led to overcrowding in several DDTwo schools. At the top of the list are Sand Hill Elementary (110% capacity), Beech Hill Elementary (118% capacity), and Ashley Ridge High School (115% capacity).

 

National research shows the impact of overcrowded schools can: lower the ability of students to pay attention, lower student achievement, increase student behavioral issues, and contribute to higher rates of student and teacher absenteeism. Forecasts indicate an increase of 700-1,000 students per year for the next 10 years in our district. This increase in students will overwhelm multiple school enrollment populations.

 

In addition, some of our schools do not have classroom space for important future programming that includes related arts, special education, and expansion of the all-day 4K program.

 

The second challenge is the number of aging schools in DDTwo because of deferred maintenance. Many buildings require major structural improvements and renovations in the next several years.

 

Neither challenge can be fully addressed with current capital facility funding.

 

How: The district plans to fund the $200 million referendum with NO tax and NO millage rate increase on Dorchester County residents located in DDTwo attendance areas.

 

DDTwo is one of a few communities in South Carolina that can pursue a bond referendum that will not raise the tax/millage rate on residents in our district. Conservative financial management, coupled with multiple refunding efforts to lower interest rates on current bonds have made it possible for previously issued bonds to be paid off early. This leaves the capacity for new bond issuances within current millage rates.

 

The district’s preparation for the bond referendum has been extensive:

·         Fall 2022: Completed a comprehensive facility study

·         Winter 2023: Completed a demographic study and approved a rezoning plan

·         Spring 2024: Add additional learning cottages and design/plan for brick-and-mortar additions

 

The district is utilizing four approaches to combat the critical growth that have different timelines and costs associated with each:

·         Rezoning: 6-12 months,  $0

·         Learning Cottages: 12-18 months,  $1 million / 4 classrooms (100 students)

·         Brick & Mortar Additions: 18-24 months,  $7 million / 10 classrooms (250 students)

·         New Construction: 36-40 months,  $57-60 million / elementary school (1200 students)

 

Dr. Shane Robbins said, “I cannot emphasize enough the significance of this bond referendum for our school community and more importantly our students. In a community that is growing at the rate of ours and with the funding we have in place, it is impossible to keep up with our facilities. This bond referendum will enable the district to complete much-needed repairs of some of our oldest schools while at the same time building new structures to house our growing student population. The most noteworthy feature of this referendum is that it will have a zero tax/millage rate impact on our community.”

 

Learn More at ddtwo.org/referendum:

·         Information Sessions Presentation

·         2024 Master Project List by School

·         2012 Referendum Outcomes

·         Ballot Question

·         Frequently Asked Questions

·         May 14 Voting Information

815 South Main Street
Summerville,SC 29483
(843) 873-2901 • FAX (843) 873-4053

 

DR. SHANE ROBBINS
Superintendent

April 8, 2024

Registered voters in Dorchester School District Two’s attendance area
are eligible to vote in the special election on May 14, 2024.

DDTwo Board of Trustees unanimously approved a resolution to hold a special election on May 14 for a bond referendum to address growth by eliminating overcrowding, lowering teacher-to-student ratios, and improving aging schools. Residents located in the DDTwo attendance area who are registered to vote 30 days before the election are eligible to vote. A photo ID is required to vote in South Carolina.

Visit Dorchester County Election Commission’s website for voting information. 

2024 Election
School Board District 2 Bond Referendum

• Election Date: Tuesday, May 14, 2024
• Registration Deadline: Any person wishing to vote in this election must do so no later than 30 days prior to the election. The last day to register in-person is Friday, April 12, 2024, by 5:00 p.m. Voter registration by mail forms will be accepted if postmarked by Monday, April 15, 2024. Voter registration online, by fax, or by email must be entered no later than Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
• Absentee Deadline: Friday, May 3, 2024, by 5:00 p.m.

Early Voting
School Board District 2 Bond Referendum

• Early Voting Location: Marcia O’Brien Conference Center - 200 Stadium Circle, Summerville, SC 29483
• Early Voting Dates/Times:
  • April 29 – May 10, 2024
  • Monday – Friday / Weekdays Only
  • 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Helpful Links

• Online Voter Registration
• Check My Voter Registration
• Update My Voter Registration
• Get My Sample Ballot
• Find My Polling Place
• Check My Absentee Ballot
• Check My Provisional Ballot

Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more at ddtwo.org/referendum.

815 South Main Street
Summerville,SC 29483
(843) 873-2901 • FAX (843) 873-4053

 

DR. SHANE ROBBINS
Superintendent

April 26, 2024

Early voting begins April 29th for the DDTwo Special Election

Early voting begins Monday, April 29th for the DDTwo Special Election at the Marcia O’Brien Conference Center, 200 Stadium Circle, Summerville (Behind Summerville Elementary School), Weekdays 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, thru May 10th.
The DDTwo Board of Trustees unanimously approved a resolution to hold a special election on May 14th to address growth by eliminating overcrowding, lowering teacher-to-student ratios, and improving aging schools. Residents located in the DDTwo attendance area who are registered to vote 30 days before the election are eligible to vote. A photo ID is required to vote in South Carolina.

Ballot Question:

Shall the Board of Trustees of School District No. 2 of Dorchester County, South Carolina (the "School District") be empowered to issue, at one time or from time to time, general obligation bonds of the School District, in a principal amount of not exceeding $200,000,000, the proceeds of which shall be used to finance the costs (including architectural, engineering, legal and related fees, and land acquisition, if necessary) of the following:

 

• Constructing, acquiring, and installing additional safety and security enhancements at all school facilities;
• Constructing and equipping a new PreK-5 elementary school in the area of the Ponds Development;
• Constructing and equipping a new PreK-5 elementary school in the area of the Yerby Development;
• Constructing and equipping renovations and additions to Knightsville Elementary School;
• Constructing and equipping renovations and additions to Sand Hill Elementary School;
• Constructing and equipping renovations and additions to Summerville Elementary School;
• Constructing and equipping renovations and additions to Ashley Ridge High School;
• Constructing and equipping renovations and additions to Summerville High School;
• Constructing and equipping renovations and additions to Fort Dorchester High School;
• Internal and external renovations and improvements at multiple school facilities;
• Replacing and repairing roofing at multiple school facilities;
• Acquiring and installing equipment and furniture at multiple school facilities; and
• Constructing improvements to outside areas including parking lots, driveways, landscaping, and sidewalks at multiple school facilities?

If the voter wishes to vote in favor of the question, fill in the oval next to "In favor of the question/yes;" if the voter wishes to vote against the question, fill in the oval next to the words, "Opposed to the question/no."

⬭ In favor of the question/yes
⬭ Opposed to the question/no

815 South Main Street
Summerville, SC 29483
(843) 873-2901 • FAX (843) 873-4053

DR. SHANE ROBBINS
Superintendent
 

May 8, 2024
To: All Media
From: Jennifer Passmore, Public Information Officer

Eligible voters in the DDTwo attendance area prepare for a special election on May 14, 2024.

With early voting coming to a close on May 10th, residents in the DDTwo attendance area prepare for the district’s 
special election on Tuesday, May 14th. The goal of the referendum is to implement a sustainable long-term facilities 
plan to eliminate overcrowding, lower teacher-to-student ratios, and improve aging schools.

Voter Information:

1. Where do I learn more about the DDTwo Referendum? Visit ddtwo.org/referendum.
2. Who is eligible to vote? Residents who registered at least 30 days before the election, live in the DDTwo attendance area, and provide a photo ID are eligible to vote in this special election. Visit ddtwo.org/referendum > Attendance Area Lookup Tool to determine if you live in the DD2 attendance area.
3. Where do I vote early? Early voting is open through May 10th at the Marcia O’Brien Conference Center (Behind Summerville Elementary School), 200 Stadium Circle, Summerville, Hours: Weekdays 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
4. Where do I vote on May 14th? To find your polling place, visit ddtwo.org/referendum > Find My Polling Place

 Hours: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm

May 14 Polling Location	Address
Alston Middle School	500 Bryan St. Summerville 29483
Ashley Ridge High School	9800 Delmar Highway Summerville 29483
Beech Hill Elementary	861 Beech Hill Rd. Summerville 29483
Canaan United Methodist Church	171 Highway 61 Ridgeville 29472
Dorchester Presbyterian Church	10286 Dorchester Rd Summerville 29485
DuBose Middle School	860 DuBose School Rd Summerville 29483
First Emmanuel Baptist Church	10665 Dorchester Rd Summerville 29483
Flowertown Elementary School	20 King Charles Cir Summerville 29485
Ft. Dorchester Elementary School	5201 Old Glory Lane Summerville 29485
Dorchester County Library	8620 Patriot Blvd N. Charleston 29420
Grace Lutheran Church	1600 Old Trolley Road Summerville 29485
Gregg Middle School	500 Green Wave Blvd Summerville 29483
Knightsville Elementary School	847 Orangeburg Rd Summerville 29483
Knightsville United Methodist Church	1505 Central Ave Summerville 29483
Marcia O’Brien Conference Center	200 Stadium Cir Summerville 29483
Miles Road Baptist Church	816 Miles Jamison Rd Summerville 29485
Newington Elementary School	10 Kings Charles Cir Summerville 29485
Oakbrook Elementary School	306 Old Fort Rd Ladson 29456
Oakbrook Middle School	286 Old Fort Rd Ladson 29456
Reeves Elementary School	1003 DuBose School Rd Summerville29483
River Oaks Middle School	8642 River Oaks Dr N. Charleston 29420
Riverbluff Church	5421 River Bluff Pkwy N. Charleston 29420
Sand Hill Elementary School	324 Gnarly Oak Lane Summerville 29485
Sires Elementary School	301 Chandler Creek Rd Summerville 29485
Stallsville United Methodist Church	255 Stallsville Rd Summerville 29485
Summerville Church of Christ	413 Old Trolley Rd Summerville 29485
Summerville High School	1101 Boone Hill Rd Summerville 29483
Summerville Senior Center	312 N Laurel St Summerville 29483
Windsor Hill Elementary	8600 William Moultrie Dr N. Char. 29420

 

 

Statement Regarding Elementary School at The Ponds

Date: March 31, 2025

To: All Media

From: Jennifer Passmore, Public Information Officer

 

Statement from the Dorchester School District Two Board of Trustees

To Our Partners at Kolter Homes, Dorchester County Government, and the Community at Large,

The Dorchester School District Two Board of Trustees remains committed to planning for the future of our students and families—especially in rapidly growing areas like The Ponds. Our district has seen consistent and significant population increases, and with that growth comes the urgent need for additional school capacity.

Over the past several months, the District has acted in good faith to move forward with construction of a new school in The Ponds area. We have secured funding, engaged contractors and architects, and begun the permitting process to ensure we’re ready to move as soon as the land is available. These proactive steps were taken with the clear intention of aligning school capacity with residential growth.

We want to emphasize that while the developer has remained in compliance with the development agreement, the land needed for school construction could be deeded to the District at any time. The timeline is no longer limited by regulatory hurdles—it is a matter of choice and action. We had hoped the conveyance would occur in alignment with the planning efforts already underway, and we continue to urge our partners to consider the pressing needs of the community and the students we serve.

The District is eager to move forward and remains committed to open communication and collaboration with both Kolter Homes and Dorchester County. We respectfully welcome the opportunity to meet and discuss any actions that could accelerate this project for the benefit of all stakeholders.

Thank you to the families and community members who continue to support our mission. We will keep advocating for solutions that serve our students and uphold the values of Dorchester District Two.

Sincerely,

Ashley Wimberly
Chair, Board of Trustees
Dorchester School District Two

Justin Farnsworth
Chair, Facilities Committee
Dorchester School District Two

 

Dorchester District Two Board Urges Action for Elementary School at The Ponds

The Dorchester School District Two Board of Trustees held a crucial community meeting on Monday, April 7, 2025, to provide an update on the much-anticipated elementary school at The Ponds. The Board emphasized the urgent need for land availability to ensure the project remains on schedule.

This new elementary school is a vital part of the $200 million referendum approved by Dorchester County voters in May 2024 to address school overcrowding. The district is committed to opening the school in fall 2026 using the construction company’s maximum guaranteed pricing (GMP). However, acquiring the required land quickly is essential to meet this deadline.

We are at a pivotal moment where any delays in land acquisition could significantly impact our ability to complete the school in the most cost-effective manner,” said Board Facilities Committee Chair Justin Farnsworth. “This elementary school is essential for our students, families, and the community, and we need all stakeholders to work together to resolve any outstanding land issues swiftly.”

The Board urged Kolter Homes and Dorchester County to collaborate and expedite the land conveyance to avoid increased construction costs and delays.

Meeting Highlights

• Kolter Homes has a contractual agreement with Dorchester County, via a development agreement and court-ordered settlement, to convey land for a school due to the impact of its residential development.
• The district has secured funding, permits, contractors, and architects and is ready to begin construction upon land conveyance from Kolter Homes.

Community Discussion

• The district has a short window to begin construction to meet the fall 2026 deadline using the GMP.
• Trigger for Land Conveyance: Kolter Homes must deed the land to the County within 30 days of recording the final plat for Phase 10. They may choose to convey the land earlier or delay until Phase 10 is complete, which could take years.
• Every year of delay could increase construction costs by an estimated 5%.
• To access the Board of Trustees' letter to Kolter Homes and Dorchester County, visit https://www.ddtwo.org/referendum.
• Community Action: Contact the following stakeholders:

Key Stakeholders to Contact

• Mike McLendon, Vice President of the Carolinas
  mmclendon@kolter.com
• Jeff Vandewiel, Project Director
  jvandewiel@kolter.com
• The Kolter Group
  105 NE 1st Street, Delray Beach, FL 33444
  Tel: 561-682-9500
  Email: reception@kolter.com
  Website: kolter.com
• Kolter Homes
  4807 PGA Boulevard, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418
  Tel: 561-515-4450
  Email: information@kolter.com
  Website: kolterhomes.com
• Kolter Land
  14025 Riveredge Drive, Suite 175, Tampa, FL 33637
  Tel: 813-615-1244
  Email: blopreste@kolter.com
  Website: kolterland.com

The district appreciates the community’s ongoing support and is committed to transparency throughout the process. Updates will continue to be shared as they become available.