ORANGEBURG, S.C. — Orangeburg County School District was awarded $40 million dollars from the South Carolina Department of Education to build a new Robert E. Howard Elementary School.
The current Robert E. Howard Middle School will be demolished and replaced with a new, state-of-the-art elementary school that will be filled with students from Brookdale, Mellichamp and Whittaker elementary schools.
Orangeburg County School District Superintendent Shawn Foster says population decline plays a role in the consolidation of three elementary schools.
“Orangeburg County had upwards of 19,000 students. We’ve seen that steady decline down to little over 10,000, so with the change in populations, we have to make the tough decisions to make sure we’re most effectively using tax payers dollars but also keeping up with the educational needs and the infrastructure needs to ensure our kids receive a high quality educational experience,” Foster said.
Atiqua Brooks is a mom of a student who goes to Brookdale Elementary. She says they are excited for the new school.
“It’s good that it’s a new facility,” said Brooks. “I hope they get new everything, too, you know. I just hope it brings out the best in the students, and they get to accomplish things while they’re there.”
Lynette Bartley’s sons went to Brookdale Elementary over 30 years ago.
“I think its great, you know, anything to help the kids education is a plus with me,” said Bartley. “I mean, if they have a more successful school, a more modern school, more room, they can get more teachers to teach better education, then I’m for it 100%.”
Students who currently attend Robert E. Howard Middle School will be moved to William J. Clark Middle School in the Fall of 2025.
The school district tells News 19 they are currently underway with construction planning.