Fort Mill board authorizes bond issues, accepts referendum results to finance schools

The Fort Mill School District 4 board voted to authorize several bond resolutions on the same night it accepted certified results of a March 19 referendum that passed 2,438–1,327 (64.75%). The board approved a short‑term authorization of up to $4,250,000 for deferred maintenance, technology and transportation projects and a separate authorization of up to $6,000,000 to cover installment purchase revenue bond payments and a scheduled equipment payment. Trustees also authorized issuance of up to $204,000,000 authorized by the referendum; administrators said that debt will be sold in increments to match project cash‑flow needs.

Miss Lourdough, the district finance presenter, told trustees the $4,250,000 authorization is intended for projects already underway or urgent this summer: Nation Ford High School roof replacement, Springfield Middle School HVAC phase 2, parking lot resurfacing for the transportation/maintenance area and a district‑wide wireless upgrade (listed in the presentation at $1,450,000). She said $250,000 of the authorization covers bond issuance costs (attorney, financial adviser and rating fees).

A board member moved the $4,250,000 resolution; a board member seconded, and the motion carried by voice vote with no recorded opposition. The $6,000,000 authorization — described by administration as an annual action to cover IPRB payments and a $499,000 equipment acquisition payment — was likewise moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. After receiving county certification of the referendum results, the board voted to accept the certification and then authorized the district to issue up to $204,000,000 in general obligation bonds as needed over the coming years.

Administration emphasized the district will not sell the full $204 million at once but will issue bonding in several series to match construction schedules and to manage interest costs. For the smaller, near‑term authorizations, officials said the debt terms would typically be short (three to five years) and used to bridge immediate construction and technology needs without tapping the larger referendum issues prematurely.

The board did not record individual roll‑call votes in the public audio transcript; votes were taken by voice and recorded as carried. The district packet attached the list of projects associated with the $4,250,000 authorization and the referendum materials certified by York County.