Rock Hill board backs York Technical College’s planned purchase of nearby training building

The Rock Hill Schools board on Dec. 9 approved a letter of acknowledgement supporting York Technical College’s potential purchase of the Business Technology Center at 454 South Anderson Road.

The board’s vote followed a presentation from York Tech President Stacy Moore, who said the college’s foundation is under contract with an assignment clause that would transfer the building to the college pending approvals by the Joint Bond Review Committee. Moore said the college plans to remodel the building to anchor critical health-care programs, expand building-construction trades and create a life-sciences training center connected to anticipated manufacturing at the Palmetto Research site. She added that, if the college acquires the property, it would be removed from county tax rolls because the college is a public entity.

Doctor Elder, the district superintendent, thanked York Tech for engaging impacted stakeholders and for the advance notice the district received. Board members asked for details on programs that would locate in the building; Moore listed nursing (LPN and RN), radiologic technology, surgical technology and medical lab technology, and said additional programs such as respiratory therapy and physical therapist assistant will be added over time.

Board discussion was supportive. A trustee noted the value to local students and families of expanded access to career and technical education even though the district could lose the tax revenue from that parcel. The board moved to approve the letter of acknowledgement prepared for signature and the motion passed 4–0.

Moore told the board the written letter is ready for signature and thanked trustees for their time. The college emphasized that no final purchase decision has been made; it is in due diligence and will decide after the building inspection and approval processes are complete.