Dorch. 2 weighs aquatics center

Citing a need to study the options a little more, Dorchester District 2 school board members did not decide on the wording of a bond referendum after a workshop on Wednesday.

“I’d like to be able to go home and read these,” board member Gail Hughes said of the two options presented to the board.

At issue is whether to include a second question asking taxpayers for an additional $7.5 million to build an aquatics center in partnership with the Summerville Family YMCA.

Over months of meetings, the board has agreed on the projects that will be included in the $180 million referendum: three elementary schools, a middle school of the arts, and major renovations for 10 other schools.

In addition, the board also has considered separate projects for an auditorium, a library and an aquatics center. However, Superintendent Joe Pye said Wednesday that he believes the partnership entities and the community do not currently support an auditorium or library.

“The aquatics center is really the only thing we’re debating at this point,” he said.

The board must decide on the wording by Wednesday to get the question on the Nov. 6 ballot. They will discuss the issue at the regular board meeting at 6 p.m. Monday.