News 12 @ 6 o'clock -- March 9, 2010

BAMBERG CTY, S.C. --The Bamberg County school board unanimously decided on a referendum to close and rebuild Richard Carroll Elementary. That's the school Ehrhardt Elementary students go to right now.

It's been a talker since the board pushed their decision back in November. But now that the time's here to vote, the issues in Bamberg County seem to be bigger than the bond.

People in the community, including owners of gas stations posted their signs saying, "vote yes for the children." After more than 50 years of the same, the people in Bamberg County are ready for some changes to help their schools.

From caved ceilings to cracked floors, leaders in Bamberg County District One say all the schools are simply falling apart.

"All of the repairs, renovations that need to be made cost more than we have without going to the people for a referendum," said Bamberg County District One Superintendent Phyllis Schwarting. She says the board is set to get $20 million in interest free loans thanks to stimulus funds and an additional $9 million with the federal government paying thirty-five percent of the interest rate. She says the low cost creates a big opportunity for schools.

"Even though economically things aren't that great in our state, this is the time we need to take this to the people and it has to be their decision," said Schwarting.

In order to rebuild an elementary school and renovate high and middle schools, it will raise the millage rate from 64 mills to more than 123 mills. That means someone living in a $50,000 home could be paying around $120.00 in taxes.

"We're not ready for it. Some of them in Bamberg are ready but they're in Bamberg and we're in Ehrhardt," said Clint Carter. He says while most of the schools have outdated equipment and the buildings are covered inside and out with mold and mildew the district hasn't shown him his money will be put to good use. "They have no maintenance plan. They haven't kept up what we've got. Why spend $20 million dollars then in 20 or 30 years, we're in the same situation we're in now," asked Carter.

And while the school district says they're doing what's in the best interest of the students, parents like Clint say...

"It's for the future of the kids, but we still have to live inside of our means," said Carter.

"I just put it in the hands of the people, they're the ones who are working very hard on this," said Schwarting.

Voters head to the polls Tuesday, March 16th.