Horry County Council gives final approval for new charter schools in Carolina Forest

CONWAY, S.C.

In a groundbreaking move, the Horry County Council members have given the final thumbs-up to a proposal that will bolster the educational infrastructure of the Carolina Forest area with two new charter schools. The proposal’s final approval took place in an official council session held on Tuesday evening.

Councilman Dennis DiSabato took the lead in explaining the modifications made to the proposal. Notably, these changes were implemented following robust community discourse that took place over the weekend. According to the approved plan, both a high school and a middle school will be constructed in the vicinity of Waterway Plantation off River Oaks Drive.

Highlights of the Proposal

The endorsed proposal stipulates a cap on the student population at the high school, limiting the headcount to 520. This constraint remains in place until completion of ongoing works to widen River Oaks Drive to four lanes, as part of RIDE 4. Likewise, the middle school population will not exceed 300 students.

The proposal also exercises control over organized outdoor events. Until the expansion of River Oaks is complete, these events will be restricted to 1,500 participants, excluding students and staff. Once the roadwork concludes, the threshold will be raised to 2,000 attendees. Notably, outdoor events are defined as non-sponsored, school-related functions such as graduations, field days, and other similar gatherings.

Among the many crucial aspects of the proposal was the construction of outdoor physical education areas. These spaces, however, will not include extras like field lighting or bleachers. Concessions will be restricted to vending machines only.

Amendments to the Initial Plan

DiSabato highlighted a significant change in the revised proposal, emphasizing the improved features planned for the school entrance area. Unlike earlier plans that merely included the installation of turn lanes, the updated blueprint calls for placing turn signals in the area.

Another enhanced component is an increased buffer along Portwest Drive, extending it to 250 feet. The school will bear its share of the costs related to road widening at agreed intersections as well as for the turn signals.

The final reading of the proposal ended with unanimous approval from the council. This important step speaks volumes about the unanimous dedication of Horry County Council members towards enhancing the educational scenario within their jurisdiction. It also shows their responsiveness towards the community’s needs and concerns, as expressed in the modifications introduced to the proposal.

In the coming years, this decision is expected to augment the quality of education and resources available to students in the Carolina Forest area, fostering an environment conducive to overall student development.