Union County bond referendum calls for critical South Piedmont Community College funding

UNION COUNTY, N.C. — Many Union County voters admitted to Channel 9 they're not very familiar with referendums they'll decide on that could impact the future of education in the area.

One of the three referendums on the November ballot would provide what leaders of South Piedmont Community College call "critical" funding; to not only expand, but bring more business to the area and put more people to work.

"We're sort of a victim of our own success," interim president Dr. Jerry McGee said.

SPCC has almost 3,000 students and has grown tremendously since opening in 1999.

Leaders are confident enrollment will double with adequate space, but right now, even with classroom trailers, the college cannot add any more programs or classes.

McGee said that’s why it's so important voters approve a referendum that would provide $40.2 million to build a STEM facility on the Old Charlotte Highway campus, build remote classroom space in the Waxhaw area and upgrade current facilities.

"We're growing because the need is there,” McGee said. “We're growing because our local employers are expanding and wanting to expand and they want to have trained workers."

SPCC's bond would cost taxpayers about $2 more a month, or about $25 a year, for a home valued at $200,000.

Voter Jean Hall plans to support the referendum.

Hall told Channel 9, "It's time to be proactive, rather than always trying to catch up and I think helping the community college expand its programs will bleed into the county's businesses, which will trickle down into the families, housing industry and everything."

McGee said there is no “plan B” if the bond referendum does not pass.

For more information, visit Bonds for SPCC.

Cox Media Group