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Chesterfield superintendent outlines Nov. 4 bond referendum tied to penny sales tax
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Ballinger presented details about a proposed bond referendum on the Nov. 4 ballot that would be paid using the county'wide penny sales tax approved Nov. 5, 2024, and said the measure would not raise property taxes.
Superintendent Dr. Ballinger told the Chesterfield County School District board on Oct. 14 that voters will see a countywide bond referendum for the school district on Nov. 4, 2025, asking permission to sell bonds paid with proceeds from the penny sales tax approved Nov. 5, 2024.
The administration says the bond would provide upfront funding to let the district tackle several projects simultaneously rather than waiting for pay-as-you-go revenue to accumulate. "This will not raise taxes. This is going to use the penny sales tax to pay off the bonds. So there is no tax increase whatsoever with this referendum," Dr. Ballinger said.
Ballinger outlined the types of projects the district plans to fund: safety and security work, accessibility improvements, digital signage, roof repairs, renovations of aging facilities, additional classroom space in growth areas (notably Pedro and McBee areas), upgrades to football fields and tracks, additional gyms, and enhancements to the district's career and technical education programs. He said the bond question would not change the scope of projects previously approved in 2024 and that expenditures must align with what the penny sales tax referendum allows.
Ballinger also described the legal limit that shapes the request: "South Carolina law only allows the school board to bond at 8% above the value of the taxable property in the district," he said, adding that the district must ask voters when existing bonding capacity is exceeded.
To inform voters, the administration has distributed weekly calls, flyers and social posts, produced radio spots, and is preparing a video and other materials. Ballinger directed residents to the district website: select MyCCS, then the Community link and the Bond Referendum page, where the district is posting flyers and the presentation used at board meetings.
Ballinger said officials hope faster project starts will reduce exposure to rising construction costs and enable the district to finish more work in a shorter timeframe. He encouraged residents with questions to contact his office and noted district staff and board members are holding community presentations about the referendum.
