Fort Mill School District Faces Community Concerns as New Schools Take Shape

Fort Mill Prepares for New Schools Amid Community Concerns

FORT MILL — Construction is underway at the site of Flint Hill Elementary School, which is set to open its doors for the 2025-26 school year as part of the Fort Mill School District’s effort to accommodate a rapidly growing student population. The installation of Flint Hill Middle School is also on the agenda for the same area, adding another dimension to the educational landscape near Gold Hill Road and U.S. Highway 21 Bypass.

The Need for More Schools

As the number of students in the Fort Mill area continues to swell—from 6,000 in 2003 to over 18,000 today—residents acknowledge the pressing need for additional education facilities. The Fort Mill School District is grappling with how to manage student assignments and redistricting as two new schools come online in the next few years. District officials are anticipating significant changes in the student population distribution that will ripple through existing schools.

Redistricting Challenges

Matthew Cropper, a consultant from Ohio-based Cropper GIS, is working on a redistricting plan that is essential for accommodating the incoming students at Flint Hill Elementary and Flint Hill Middle School. The plan will require reassigning students from Springfield, Pleasant Knoll, and Sugar Creek schools, amounting to about 1,466 elementary and 1,272 middle school students—creating a domino effect through the district.

“You have to build a zone for the new schools. But in doing that, you take a lot of enrollment out of other buildings,” Cropper explained during a recent school board meeting. The Fort Mill School District has been proactive in addressing overcrowding by implementing enrollment freezes at some schools, but with the new facilities, greater adjustments will be needed.

Community Concerns Arise

However, while many community members agree on the necessity for new schools, some parents are expressing concerns about safety due to the nearby Silfab Solar manufacturing plant, which is set to produce solar panels close to the schools. Silfab has received the necessary state-level permits, but resistance from local residents remains strong. They have voiced their apprehensions to both York County and state officials about how the proximity to the school might affect children’s safety.

Adding to the controversy, the York County Board of Zoning Appeals recently reversed a decision regarding Silfab’s facility, raising more questions among parents and community members about the implications of having a manufacturing plant adjacent to educational institutions.

Feedback and Future Plans

The Fort Mill School District’s Board of Education is actively seeking feedback from the community regarding the redistricting plans. An interactive map of the proposed boundaries was presented at the board’s meeting on October 1, and the district is encouraging parents and residents to provide input, which will be collected online and discussed further at the upcoming board meeting on October 15. A final vote on the redistricting is expected to take place in November.

Joseph Burke, the district’s spokesman, emphasized that engaging the community is vital as they navigate these significant changes. Feedback can be directed to communications@fortmillschools.org.

Looking Ahead

The Fort Mill School District aims to address the ever-growing educational demands while ensuring the safety and well-being of students. As construction on Flint Hill Elementary and Middle School continues, residents remain hopeful but are vigilant about the challenges that lie ahead. Upcoming meetings will provide an opportunity for further community involvement in shaping the educational framework of Fort Mill.