‘We’re listening right now’: Clover school leaders want to hear why bond failed, what’s next
Clover School District leaders plan to hold a “listening tour” to find out why 71% of residents voted against its $197 million bond in September.
Clover district officials will hold community meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday for what it calls a “listening tour” at six Clover and Lake Wylie churches.
The $197 million bond would have paid for a second high school and an eighth elementary school, and converting the Ninth Grade Campus back into middle school. The bond also included a technology and innovation center, renovations at Clover High and Bethany Elementary schools, and furniture and landscaping.
The bond would increase taxes by about $10 a month — or $120 a year — for a $100,000 home, according to the district.
About 71% of the almost 8,000 voters voted against the bond.
“Coming off of the September bond, it’s part of the regrouping process,” district spokesman Bryan Dillon said. “Hearing from our community on what they supported, what they didn’t support and ultimately why it was decided against.”
The meeting dates and places are:
▪ Tuesday: Lake Wylie Christian Assembly and First Baptist Church
▪ Wednesday: New River Community Church
▪ Thursday: Allison Creek Presbyterian Church, Clover Chapel and Oakdale Presbyterian Church
The district also has a survey on its website to gather feedback to help the school board plan to meet the needs the bond would have met.
The district wants to focus in on whatever few major points the public has, Dillon said, before considering another referendum.
“We’re listening right now,” Dillon said. “It’s an opportunity for us to hear directly from the community and let them have the forum.”
District projections show enrollment grows by about 300 students each year. By 2025-26, enrollment is expected to reach almost 10,000 students. The district has about 9,000 students now.
The district had to stagger start times this year after an unexpected influx of almost 500 students.
“Clover School District is growing,” Dillon said. “We’ll need to do some building at some point.”
