Since CCSD’s 2011-2016 Capital Plan was voted in with the 1% sales tax, Stono Park Elementary has always been listed as a “design and rebuild” project just like St. Andrew’s School of Math and Science and Springfield Elementary. The difference is that Stono Park has continually moved down the project priority list while St. Andrew’s new school opened this fall and Springfield’s is currently under construction.

In fact, every other elementary school in District 10 has been rebuilt or is in the process of being rebuilt, except Stono Park. Imagine our surprise and concern as friends, families and administrators learned at the Special District 10 meeting on November 18, 2015 that Stono Park’s status has been changed to a renovation without input from the school or community.

We are writing to request that CCSD direct Capital Programs to honor the Capital Plan and design and rebuild Stono Park, just as it has done for every other elementary school in District 10.

Stono Park was built in the 1950’s and is currently over-capacity with 13 classrooms being housed in mobile units. It is currently home to just over 300 students, with 200 more students opting out for choice or private schools. As this area of West Ashley continues to re-vitalize, we need every single neighborhood school to be a viable option and attractive to the families who live here, including Stono Park.

It is hard to renovate a building with critical needed repairs including asbestos abatement, painting, flooring, ceiling, roofing, HVAC, fire alarm, drop-off loop, windows and doors. As we have learned from Stono Park’s sister school, St. Andrew’s, it is better to start over with a design and rebuild.

The old middle school on Wappoo will be home to a charter school next year. This location is also a great option for Stono Park to use as swing space while its new school is being built. That location is actually closer for many of the families who currently attend Stono Park.

Friends and families of Stono Park want a school that supports our children and our community, please - Rebuild Stono Park.