News Summary
Lexington-Richland School District Five has unveiled a major reorganization plan for the 2026-27 school year, involving the rezoning of 988 students to a new elementary campus. Supported by a $240 million bond referendum, the plan will eliminate two intermediate schools, creating a more efficient elementary-middle-high structure. Construction is underway for the new Dutch Fork Elementary School, while renovations and security upgrades are planned for existing schools to tackle overcrowding and enhance educational infrastructure.
Lexington – Lexington-Richland School District Five has announced a comprehensive reorganization plan that will involve major rezoning efforts for the 2026-27 school year. This initiative will potentially reassign approximately 988 students to a newly constructed elementary campus as the district aims to alleviate overcrowding and streamline the educational progression for its students.
The plan is backed by a $240 million bond referendum that was approved by voters in November. A significant aspect of the changes includes the elimination of two intermediate schools, paving the way for a more traditional elementary-middle-high school structure. The adjustments promise a clear pathway as all but one of the district’s five middle schools will feed into a single high school beginning in 2026.
As part of the reorganization, Crossroads Middle School will serve both Dutch Fork High and Irmo High Schools, while other middle schools will have designated high school assignments. Notably, the high school zoning for most students is not expected to change significantly, aside from some adjustments for those living near Salem Church Road. To address the needs of families affected by these changes, a “preferred pathways” plan will allow around 75 students to apply to continue attending their current middle schools through the eighth grade.
Construction is already in progress for the new Dutch Fork Elementary School, which is set to replace the current facility that will be transformed into the Richlex Education Center. This center will host various district-wide programs aimed at enhancing educational opportunities.
Renovations and security upgrades are also a part of the extensive reorganization, with plans for new classroom wings for both Chapin and Lake Murray Elementary Schools. Construction on these projects is anticipated to commence in early August to align with the goals of the overall plan.
The main objective of the rezoning effort is to tackle ongoing overcrowding issues, primarily in the Chapin High School area, which has seen continuous growth. Board member Catherine Huddle has raised concerns regarding whether the proposed changes will adequately address the enrollment pressures currently faced at Chapin High School. To mitigate these concerns, the district plans to transfer some students from Chapin High to Spring Hill High in order to manage capacity effectively.
Community input is encouraged as the school district finalizes the proposed rezoning plan by April 22, 2024, which aligns with the timeline for the upcoming bond referendum vote. Superintendent Akil Ross has underscored the critical nature of the bond funding, highlighting the urgent necessity to address facility needs, including plumbing, roofing, air quality, and HVAC improvements.
To fully implement the proposed changes, the plan will require voter approval during the November referendum, aiming to make structural adjustments by the 2025-2026 school year. This initiative represents a significant step towards improving educational infrastructure and ensuring that all students in Lexington-Richland School District Five have access to quality schooling.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: SC Lexington-Richland Five Rezoning
- Wikipedia: School district
- WLTX: Lexington-Richland 5 Re-Zone Plan
- Google Search: School rezoning impact
- The State: Local Education News
- Google Scholar: School district infrastructure
- WIS TV: Irmo Development Moves Forward
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education in South Carolina
- Post and Courier: School Bonds and Taxes
- Google News: Lexington-Richland School District
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.
