CHAPIN, S.C. — Candidates for the Lexington-Richland 5 school board, which serves families in Chapin, S.C., and the Irmo area, are mostly pitching savings outside the classroom rather than tax increases as the Nov. 3 election nears.
A teacher forum group hosted a candidate forum on Tuesday, Oct. 6, at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies, with board hopefuls from both the Lexington and Richland County sides of the district. Two seats on each side are on the ballot.
In recent interviews, candidate Gilbert, who has worked in the district for more than 20 years, said she would first examine district office and other non-classroom spending, outside contracts and consultants, and protect teachers, counselors and support staff. Candidate LoPresti called a tax increase a last resort and suggested replacing individual Chromebooks for 5K through second grade with shared devices.
Candidate Reeves said savings should be found before any tax increase and opposed cutting staff. Candidate Rice urged keeping projects from the $240 million bond referendum approved in 2024 on budget and selling surplus property. Candidate Rickenbacker said the district can meet current needs without raising taxes. Two other Lexington County candidates did not respond to interview requests.
The district serves more than 17,000 students. Early voting runs Monday through Saturday from Oct. 19 to Oct. 31, and polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day.
