The Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce proudly announces its full endorsement and support for the upcoming $439 million Beaufort County School District (BCSD) bond referendum, on the ballot Tuesday, November 7, 2023. This referendum is a critical step towards advancing education quality, enhancing school safety, and accommodating the future workforce needs of our growing community.
The 2023 BCSD Bond Referendum aims to address several key objectives:
Academic Enhancement: The bond funding will elevate the educational experience for our students by modernizing and expanding educational facilities to better align with 21st-century learning needs. Among projects to be funded by this bond is construction of a new, appropriately sized Lady’s Island Middle School and building a new gym at Riverview Charter School.
School Safety: The safety of our students is a top priority. The bond referendum will allocate resources to enhance safety at all schools district-wide, ensuring that our educational institutions are secure environments for both students and staff.
Workforce Needs: Beaufort County is projected to continue growing at a robust rate for the foreseeable future. This bond will fund the addition, rebuilding, and replacement of aging school facilities to accommodate this growth and enable the community to better meet future workforce needs. In particular, the bond will expand Career and Technical Education (CTE) facilities to better meet the needs of high-demand sectors.
Graham Somerall, Chairman of the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce, encourages everyone who cares about our region’s future workforce to vote for this bond referendum, stating, “This bond is an investment in our children’s education and our region’s economic future. By supporting the 2023 BCSD Bond Referendum, we are ensuring that Beaufort County remains an attractive place for businesses to grow and thrive.”
It’s important to note that this bond will continue the work initiated by the 2019 referendum, building upon the progress made in enhancing our education system. Additionally, passing the bond will not require a tax increase, and property taxes will remain level. This means that we can invest in our schools and our community’s future without placing an additional burden on our residents.
The Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce strongly believes that investing in education is an investment in the future of our community. High-quality education is not only vital for the development of our youth but also for attracting and retaining businesses, fostering economic growth, and ensuring a prosperous future for Beaufort County.
We urge all residents, business leaders, and stakeholders to exercise their civic duty and participate in the upcoming election on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. Your vote in favor of the BSCD Bond Referendum will shape the future of Beaufort County and play a pivotal role in ensuring a robust education system that meets the needs of our students and our workforce.