School notes for Aug. 20
Farm Bureau names scholarship winners
The three winners of the $1,000 York County Farm Bureau scholarship for 2015-16 are:
▪ John Wesley Edmunds III, the son of Mary and Wesley Edmunds of Clover. John is entering his junior year at Clemson University, majoring in biological sciences.
▪ Hayley Elizabeth Boyd, the daughter of Christie and Roy H Boyd III of Rock Hill. Hayley is entering her junior year at Clemson University, majoring in pre-veterinary science.
▪ Robert Henry Mitchell, the son of Bill and Marie Mitchell of York. Henry is entering his junior year at Winthrop University, majoring in general business.
This scholarship is awarded to a resident of York County based on character, demonstrated leadership abilities and dedication to agriculture or a related field, after completing his or her first semester at a four-year college or university.
York schools OK property tax increase
The York school board approved a property tax increase on businesses and the owners of second homes last week, the final step in approving its $40.3 million budget for 2015-16.
The tax increase of 2.5 mills raises annual property taxes on a business or second home that’s assessed at 6 percent of value by $15 for each $100,000 of assessed value.
The increase would not affect property taxes for owner-occupied homes, under South Carolina’s Act 388, which replaced homeowner property taxes for school operations with a penny sales tax.
Assistant Superintendent Amy Hagner has said property values across the district are changing because York County conducted property tax reassessments this year. Hagner said she worked with county officials to determine what the new tax rate would be.
Hagner said the tax rate for debt repayment would remain unchanged.
The school board approved the budget in June, but has traditionally waited until August to set the tax rate.
York schools offer VIP passes
The York School District One will again offer seniors a VIP pass for free admission to athletic and school activity functions. The passes are available to district residents who are 60 or older and district retirees regardless of age.
Pass holders must present a VIP Courtesy Pass at the entrance of qualifying events.
The passes can be made from 9 to 11 a.m. or 1 to 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21, Monday, Aug. 24 and Wednesday, Aug. 26. Pictures for the pass can be made on the first Wednesday of the month at the Education Services Center at 18 Spruce St., across from York One Academy/Pinckney Street Learning Center.
To obtain the pass, call 803-818-6319 to make an appointment. Bring proof of age, such as a driver’s licence. You will be asked to complete a VIP Courtesy Pass application form. Louise Moss, technology services assistant, will take a photograph and prepare the ID. It will not be necessary to renew the picture identification card once it has been issued.
This story was originally published August 20, 2015 at 12:27 PM with the headline "School notes for Aug. 20."