Early voting begins Monday for $200M Dorchester District Two referendum

DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)- Voters living in the Dorchester District Two (DD2) attendance area can now weigh in on a multi-million dollar referendum that leaders say will help the district prepare for future growth.

DD2 board members voted in favor of a resolution in February to hold a special election on whether to approve a $200 million referendum that would allow the district to upgrade infrastructure over the next 36 months.

“We’re in an area here that is growing rapidly,” DD2 Superintendent Dr. Shane Robbins told News 2 last month. “My focus since I’ve been here is how are we going to manage the growth and the increased number of students coming into our district.”

According to district leaders, increased enrollment since 2012 has led to overcrowding in several DD2 schools. At least three schools — Sand Hill Elementary, Beech Hill Elementary, and Ashley Ridge High School — are operating at over 110% capacity.

If approved, the additional $200 million would be used to make improvements at each of the district’s schools and fund the construction of two new elementary schools.

“Every single school is in the referendum to have some type of improvement, even East Edisto, which was just built two years ago,” Robbins said. “Whether it’s safety and security upgrades, classroom additions, [or] classroom remodels.”

The referendum does not include a tax or millage rate increase for residents.

Early voting for the May 14 special election begins Monday, April 29, and ends Friday, May 10.

Registered voters can visit the Marcia O’Brien Conference Center located at 200 Stadium Circle in Summerville to cast a vote. The polling site is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Only people who live within the DD2 attendance area can participate in the referendum. A valid photo ID is required to vote.

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