Irmo, September 16, 2025
News Summary
The Lexington-Richland 5 school board in Irmo has approved the purchase of a new property for the replacement of Dutch Fork Elementary School. This decision addresses the urgent need for a new campus to enhance student safety and ease congestion at the current site. The new location, approximately three miles from the old school, is part of a $240 million bond initiative that aims to improve educational facilities within the district. The current school will be transformed into the Richlex Education Center, aiding various educational programs.
Irmo, SC – The Lexington-Richland 5 school board unanimously approved the purchase of a new property on September 8, which will be utilized for the replacement campus of Dutch Fork Elementary School. The property, located at 1709 Hollingshed Road, is an essential step in addressing the needs of the district’s students and easing congestion at the current school site.
Officials have noted that the parcel is primarily wooded and includes a house, completing the acreage necessary for establishing the new school. Plans are in place to finalize the acquisition of the land later this month, with the school district looking to move forward efficiently.
The need for a new elementary school was highlighted in the successful 2024 bond referendum, where voters approved the proposal with an overwhelming 70% majority. This referendum allocated $41.4 million specifically for the construction of the new Dutch Fork Elementary School, marking it as the only new school financed through this particular bond issue.
Concerns have been raised about student safety at the old campus, which is located near a busy street, accentuating the urgency for relocation. The existing site also faces potential challenges as upcoming expansions on Broad River could encroach on the school’s grounds, further prompting the need to find a more suitable location.
The newly designated site on Hollingshed Road is approximately three miles from the current Dutch Fork Elementary location, which is situated across Interstate 26. Following the transition, the current school site will be transformed into the Richlex Education Center, accommodating various educational services such as adult education programs, the Academy for Success, and the online FIVE program.
In addition to the new elementary school, the school board approved other bond projects aimed at improving educational facilities within the district. These include redesigns for Harbison West and Nursery Road elementary schools, the construction of a fine arts center at Chapin High School, as well as renovations and improvements to the district office. The overarching bond referendum encompasses an estimated total of $240 million to be dedicated to these initiatives.
This proactive approach by the Lexington-Richland 5 school board reflects their commitment to enhancing the educational environment for students and addressing modern challenges within the district. As final preparations for the property purchase near completion, the future of Dutch Fork Elementary looks promising, paving the way for improved safety and infrastructure that aligns with the growing community’s needs.
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: Man Arrested at Corley Elementary School
- The State: Local Crime News
- WACH: Irmo School Locked Down After Arrest
- Dignity Memorial: Harriet Dudley Obituary
- SWLexLedger: New Principal at Irmo Elementary
- Wikipedia: Irmo, South Carolina
- Google Search: Irmo Elementary School
- Google Scholar: Irmo School Projects
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Irmo
- Google News: Irmo School News
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
