League of Women Voters

The League of Women Voters of Beaufort will host a public meeting from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Beth Israel Synagogue, 304 Scott Street, with a presentation by two Beaufort County School District officials who worked with citizens to create the list of projects for November’s School Bond Referendum.

The school district’s Chief Operating Officer, Robert Oetting and its Planning Coordinator, Carol C. Crutchfield, will explain details of the referendum and what it means to students and taxpayers.

The $344M bond referendum is composed of two ballot questions. If passed, the money will pay for school safety and security. It will also fund new and improved school buildings, technology infrastructure, athletic facilities and updated playgrounds. The twenty-year bond is expected to raise property taxes on the average home about nine dollars annually.

Following research, investigation and school-site visits; both the Beaufort League and the Bluffton/Hilton Head Island Leagues have endorsed the referendum.

Catherine Forester, Beaufort’s League President, said given the fact that it’s been eleven years since a school bond referendum passed in Beaufort County, it’s essential that November’s ballot measure is approved. “The condition of many of our schools, classrooms and playgrounds is deplorable. It is time for them to be brought up to standard. We need to invest in the future of our children and our society.”

All meetings of the League are open to the public.