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Chamber supports Spartanburg school referendum

Staff Report //April 10, 2019//

Chamber supports Spartanburg school referendum

Staff Report //April 10, 2019//

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The Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Board voted unanimously this week to support the Spartanburg School District Three referendum to build a new middle school to replace both Cowpens Middle School and the Middle School of Pacolet, according to a news release.

The executive board, made up of business and community leaders in Spartanburg County, were led through a presentation by District Three Superintendent Kenny Blackwood on the district’s Future Ready Schools Initiative, aimed at providing students better learning opportunities in better facilities, the release said.

“Ultimately, a school built during the presidency of Dwight Eisenhower isn’t what’s best for students in 2019, Allen Smith, president and CEO of the Spartanburg chamber, said in the release. “The board’s support of the Future Ready Schools Initiative came down to what is best for students and the continuing support of pro-growth efforts across our county. We believe a new middle school can act as a catalyst for growth within District Three along with improving outcomes for the district’s students and teachers.”

The $58 million referendum would not only lead to a new middle school in District Three but would allow the district to go ahead with renovations at Broome High School and each of its elementary schools. It’s the first time District Three has asked for voter support to build or renovate its facilities. If approved, the new middle school would be built in a centralized location on land donated by family and friends of Roger Milliken.

Residents will vote on the referendum April 16.