WINNSBORO, S.C. — A new low-cost housing community aimed at keeping teachers in the area is nearing completion in Fairfield County.
Wednesday afternoon we got a look at the progress being made on this exciting project.
"We’ve been working on this probably six years," says J.R. Greene, Fairfield County Superintendent.
The sounds of construction fill the air behind the Fairfield County School District building as the district works to finish 18 affordable homes that will soon welcome educators at “The Village at Winnsboro".
“We have moved at a breakneck pace, and so now as you look at the site, we see houses going up," adds Greene.
This first phase of the Teacher Village will welcome 18 homes, including one-story and two-story options.
Both styles feature three bedrooms and two baths. While they are currently in the construction phase, by August they will be ready for teachers to call them home.
“I explored this option because of my work schedule and the long hours as athletic director," says Terrell Roach, Athletic Director at Fairfield Central High School, who will be moving into one of the homes. "Originally, I was traveling from Rock Hill, S.C., it gives me a little more rest."
Although the homes are still under construction, Roach is walking around the site envisioning his future space, "I look forward to watching football on Sunday and having space to host guests and watch on the big screen."
Roach requested a two-story home but is happy with whichever space he gets. "It’s just a blessing in itself that people take for granted," he said.
Superintendent Greene spearheaded the idea years ago as an effort to keep educators in the Midlands. From what he sees, this new concept is working.
"We are in very good shape and so there are a couple of positions, principal, and district staff, that are working to solidify but we are in excellent shape as it relates to staffing. I think this model will do as much for retention as it does for recruitment," said Greene.
The district used multiple funding sources for the project, including $2 million it received from a lawsuit filed over the failed V.C. Summer nuclear reactor.
The school board hopes to build 70 homes over the next few years.