October 12, 2026 - Board Meeting

Dorchester School District Two Board of Trustees meeting, October 12, 2026. The board recognized five schools receiving South Carolina Department of Education arts grants totaling $56,513: Dr. Eugene Sires Elementary ($6,922), Eagle Nest Elementary ($11,991), Alston Middle ($12,600), Summerville High ($12,400), and Fort Dorchester High ($12,600). The grants support arts education projects, including 3D printing and arts-and-music instruction. The board also reviewed policies on second reading; the motion passed 6–0, with one member absent. A public commenter urged the district to strengthen bullying-prevention policies, including extending the appeal period, but no related action was reported.

A substantial portion of the meeting focused on school facilities and capital funding. District leaders presented the proposed educational sales tax referendum scheduled for the November 3 ballot; it would direct 90% of proceeds to capital improvements and 10% to property-tax relief, with an estimated $526 million in revenue discussed. The presentation cited about $700 million in identified long-range needs, including maintenance and capacity projects, amid planned housing growth. The district reviewed ongoing projects funded by the 2024 $200 million referendum, including additions, renovations, roofs, and other facility work, and discussed potential new schools and a planned purchase of approximately 50 acres. These were informational discussions; no new contract award, purchasing approval, or referendum vote occurred at this meeting.