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Published: Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2010 / Updated: Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2010 10:51 AM

Commend Clover School Board for having vision

Clover School District Board of Trustees on Aug. 12 during a regular (but rescheduled) open, public meeting approved the purchase of 172 acres near Big Allison Creek in Lake Wylie.

The site, according to CSD Superintendent Dr. Marc Sosne, at the time, was for a second high school. After the Lake Wylie Pilot published the board’s decision - first online and the full story in the Aug. 17 print edition - Sosne retracted his statement to clarify saying the property would provide “flexibility and options” to build new schools, but not necessarily a high school.

At last week’s Lake Wylie Rotary Club meeting, Clover school board member Melanie Wood Wilson talked about the land being used for a high school, and possibly a future elementary school.

The fact is, the board and school district have the right to change plans for proper and appropriate use of the school site. That is, until the purchase in a bond referendum is put before the voters. Approval of a purchase does not a closed deal make. The York County Council must approve zoning and the state Department of Education also must give its nod. Whatever the use, the school is likely to need space in the future, and now is a good time to buy.

Unfortunately, if the site is not intended for high school, Lake Wylie area and Clover residents’ pleas for second high school will not come to fruition. In the past, Clover School District and board members said the plan would be to expand the current high school on S.C. 55 to create one large school rather than build another high school. Lake Wylie area residents voiced their concerns and objections in letters and at meetings, saying smaller schools provide a better learning environment for students and a high school closer to the lake would be advisable because of the booming residential growth in this area of the district.

If the approved purchase site on S.C. 274 is not intended for a high school, having just recently opened a new middle school and a new elementary school, it’s apparent a second high school may be needed.

Since the Aug. 12 decision, there have been many criticisms heard through letters and phone calls from Lake Wylie residents unhappy with the location and the purchasing price of $6.83 million, or $39,750 an acre. Wilson explained very well the work the school board members have put into looking for land for the school district’s future, and the details and complications involved, such as having the infrastructure already in place to alleviate costs down the road.

We’re sure as more develops about this decision, more explanation of planning will be provided by the school board and district. We commend Clover School Board and support them for planning ahead. Clover School District is known for its quality schools. It is these types of decisions that keep our district soaring. We also agree a high school for growing Lake Wylie and Clover area would be a smart decision.

Isn’t this the kind of foresight we want from our elected leaders?

The Lake Wylie Pilot editorial board is made up of members editor Catherine Muccigrosso and residents Ricardo Bach, Fred Freiberger, Bob Mazzoni, Ken Sanford, Ian Saunders and Nancy Sparber.