It’s clear that West Ashley is Charleston’s next frontier. Unprecedented growth is on the way. Massive development announcements, a new plan for Citadel Mall and a myriad of road projects are undeniable indicators.
Which brings us to schools.
The final question on the Nov. 4 Charleston County ballot will ask voters whether or not they approve of an education capital improvement referendum that will extend the current penny sales tax an additional six years from 2017 to 2022.
Revenue during that time will total about $500 million, and the list will include 35 major construction and renovation projects, design plans and land purchases from Hollywood to McClellanville.
Five of those items totaling $90 million are slated for West Ashley. They are:
• Construction of a new Center for Advanced Studies at West Ashley High School
• Construction of a new C.E. Williams Middle School
• Advanced design plans for a new Carolina Bay Elementary School
• Advanced design plans for a new West Ashley Middle School
• Advanced design plans for a new Ashley River Creative Arts Elementary School
Many have asked about prioritization of the projects. To this point, the 35 have been grouped by the Charleston County School District only into two general waves. The first wave is covered by conservative economic estimates and the second wave would be addressed as more aggressive revenue benchmarks are reached.
The advanced studies center, C.E. Williams and the Carolina Bay design — about $88.5 million in projects –are all in the first wave.
It should also be noted that in West Ashley in the last three years, Oakland and Orange Grove elementary schools are newly opened, a new, larger Montessori school has been opened and a new Springfield Elementary will open next summer. Additionally, when the new C.E. Williams opens, the current campus will be renovated and converted into an elementary school.
Some have questioned the need for the advanced studies center at West Ashley High School when the school is about 25 percent away from capacity. The answer to that is twofold:
• Much of the advanced programming in fields such as health care, cyber security, film, media arts and horticulture can’t be delivered in a traditional facility.
• With room to grow, the school is well positioned for the explosive growth on the horizon.
Now, no one likes taxes, but without the sales tax — of which 30 — 40 percent is supplied by non-Charleston County residents — the CCSD portion of county property taxes will double.
Moreover, a sales tax eliminates the need for the district to bond funds, which will allow it — and taxpayers — to avoid hundreds of millions in interest payments and complete more projects.
The bottom line is this: a vote for the referendum means better schools and lower property taxes in West Ashley. We hope you’ll say yes.
(843) 766-WEST (9378)
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