Latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Midlands

Richland School District 2 voters will soon decide on a bond referendum. 

School officials say the district has grown by more than 5,000 students in the last five years, resulting in some schools busting at the seams. 

“Richland 2 is, if not the fastest-growing school district in the state, it’s one of the fastest,” Dr. John Hudgens said. 

Retired Richland 2 Superintendent Dr. John Hudgens says close to 1,000 students make their way into the district every year. 

“I noticed at one school not having a bond referendum, they talked about lunch starting at 10:15 in the morning,” Hudgens explains. “And we’re having some of those problems. We have to start lunch so early to get all the kids in.” 

Jackie Dyer has two children in Richland 2 schools. She says a proposed bond referendum is a small price to pay. 

“It's pennies per day,” Dyer exclaims. 

One hundred and thirty six portable classrooms are currently being used in the district to accomodate students. 

“I do think the kids are crammed once they’re in portables,” Dyer said. “And they feel disconnected.” 

A disconnect that Dyer and Richland 2 officials are looking to avoid, as they focus on investing in the future.

If approved, the bond will cost homeowners $108 a year for every $100,000 in home value. That’s roughly $2 per week.