Rock Hill bond committee launches ‘Vote Yes’ campaign

The group leading the charge to support the latest Rock Hill schools bond referendum officially kicked off their “Vote Yes” campaign at Fountain Park on Thursday morning.

In front of a backdrop of the fountain and dozens of children from area preschools, Todd Lumpkin, chairman of Rock Hill Citizens for Children, said when people read about what the bond funds will do for our schools, they will feel compelled to vote for it and encourage their friends to do the same.

On May 5, voters will have to decide if the district can borrow $110 million to fund dozens of projects over the next five years to improve district facilities.

The bond funds don’t just affect students and families, Lumpkin said.

“It also effects our quality of life here in Rock Hill,” he said.

The Rock Hill school board unanimously voted to support the bond several weeks ago after careful consideration, said board chairman Jim Vining and board member Mildred Douglas.

Making improvements to schools is the best way to ensure a better future for all the children in the community, they said.

“This referendum will provide opportunities for them every year they’re in our school system,” Vining said, referencing the preschool students invited to the campaign launch.

Under the plan to be funded by the referendum, every single school building will receive some level of upgrades, from new roofing to technology upgrades to complete remodels of classroom and common spaces.

Other community leaders also spoke to voice their support for the bond referendum and their hope the community would approve it on May 5.

What’s good for the schools is good for business, said Rick Jiran, chairman of the York County Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Rock Hill Mayor Doug Echols, who spoke with his granddaughter, Liza, 5, said he’ll be voting “yes” for the referendum and he hopes others will do the same. The Rock Hill city council voted to endorse the bond referendum in March.

Additional information about the referendum can be found on the Rock Hill school district website and on the Rock Hill Citizens for Children website. The group has also set up a Facebook page and Twitter account.

There will be a public forum about the referendum on April 30 at 7 p.m. at Rock Hill City Hall.

This story was originally published April 9, 2015 at 4:25 PM with the headline "Rock Hill bond committee launches ‘Vote Yes’ campaign."