A divided South Kingstown approves $150 million bond for new high school
(WJAR) — Voters have approved a $150 million bond that will bring a new high school to South Kingstown, but it was a divided decision.
The project will demolish the current high school and Curtis Corner Middle School and build a new athletic facility.
"The building is falling apart and it's hard to attract students to come here, It's hard to teach here,” said Ryan Muir, a teacher and parent.
South Kingstown students are getting some upgrades.
With over 7,000 votes - just under 55% voted in favor of the bond.
"No plan is going to be 100% everybody loves everything has plusses and minuses and the other options out there had more minuses. This plan has the most positives,” said Mary Kutcher, also a teacher and parent.
The current high school is over 70 years old and teachers agree it's starting to negatively impact the students.
"Half the building is either hot or cold depending on where you are, there's leaks in just about every space,” said Muir.
Enrollment has also been declining in the school district, but parent and teacher Ryan Muir thinks this will help bring those numbers back up.
"I think this will turn it around, I know this will turn it around,” said Muir.
The bond does mean that taxes for South Kingstown residents will go up.
According to the South Kingstown School Building Project website the average assessed value for a house in South Kingstown is $468,300.
Real estate taxes on a house with that value will go up $318 starting in 2030 for the life of the bond.
Muir says they will start the planning process over the next year.
The goal is to have the high school ready for students in the 2028 school year.