Starr, SC| Anderson County School District 3 has successfully bought 72 acres for future building. This is the land that was once a major topic in the Starr-Iva area. The 72 acres of land located at 8010 Highway 81 South was formerly owned by Former Anderson County Council Member Ray Graham. A few months back, this land was the major topic of a 250-300 lot mobile home park. The residents of the Starr-Iva area strongly pushed against the idea. Ultimately, the project was pulled and plans never moved forward.
Anderson School District 3, shortly after, inquired about the property due to its growth within the district. The District purchased the property for one million dollars, which the District says was savings in the 2023-2024 budget that was transferred to the building fund. Anderson School District 3’s statement can be found below.
Anderson 3 Acquires 72 Acres in Starr, Paving the Way for Future Building Replacements
Starr, SC – Anderson District 3 announces the acquisition of approximately 72 acres located at 8010 Highway 81 S in Starr. This $1 million investment is funded through 2023-2024 general fund savings that were transferred to the district’s building fund in September. The purchase represents a significant step toward addressing the district’s growth needs and replacing outdated school facilities.
Anderson 3 has experienced unprecedented growth in recent years, with enrollment trends emphasizing the growing need for updates to its educational infrastructure. Recognizing these challenges, the district secured the land, which is centrally located partly in the Town of Starr. Following environmental testing to ensure the land meets all criteria for building, the board approved Superintendent Hipp to move forward with the purchase.
A July 2024 facility needs assessment completed by the State Department of Education identified Starr-Iva Middle School (SIMS) as the district’s most urgent priority. Built in 1953 during the equalization era as New Deal Elementary and High School, SIMS is Anderson 3’s oldest building. While the building has been well maintained over the years, it no longer meets the demands of a modern educational environment. Additionally, the population has outgrown the present cafeteria/kitchen, classroom and instructional space. Its replacement will ensure students and staff have access to a modern learning environment.
While the board and Superintendent Hipp agree the replacement of Starr-Iva is the district’s most significant need, they are working together to pursue all possible funding routes to address the district’s capital needs in an effort to have a minimal effect on taxpayers.
Financial Support to Minimize Taxpayer Impact
While in the beginning stages, the project is being boosted by a $5 million grant from the South Carolina Department of Education’s School Capital Improvement Fund, providing vital seed funding for the new middle school.
“I am so grateful for the General Assembly’s partnership in providing much-needed capital investment funds for rural schools. Anderson 3 is growing both in population and in educational outcomes for children. It’s an honor to support the hard work of Superintendent Hipp, her teachers, and staff as they serve their students with excellence.” – Ellen Weaver, South Carolina Superintendent of Education
Over the last several years, the state department has awarded funding to rural school districts, which historically struggle to raise the necessary funds to replace school buildings due to how schools are funded in South Carolina. The award from SCDOE graciously allows the district flexibility to begin looking at all possible building opportunities.
Superintendent Kathy Hipp expressed her enthusiasm about the district’s progress:
“This land acquisition is a huge win for Anderson 3, and the award from the state accelerates our efforts to begin studying our capital needs. Over the years, our district has worked hard to maintain our facilities and take care of what we have, but the time for school replacement is here. We are experiencing growth at a rate we haven’t seen in over two decades. The timing is right to replace Starr-Iva Middle School and begin addressing other critical capital needs. With community support, we can provide newer facilities that enhance our ability to deliver top-notch educational opportunities.”
To further reduce the financial burden on local taxpayers, Superintendent Hipp and the Anderson 3 Board are actively exploring additional funding opportunities through state partnerships and other sources. “We understand our community cannot afford a large hike in taxes. My hope is that by working together with our state and local leaders, we can achieve this goal with a very minimal financial ask of our neighbors.”
The 8010 Highway 81 South site offers flexibility for the future, with enough acreage to potentially rebuild an additional school in the coming years.
