Let's Have Them Pay For Your Injuries!
Let's Have Them Pay For Your Injuries!

Personal Injury Attorney in Lancaster, SC

Accidents can happen suddenly, catching even the most prepared person off guard. One minute, you may be strolling to a restaurant after a long day at work, and the next minute, someone else's carelessness can change your life forever. Personal injury victims not only endure negligence but also experience pain and worry about their families and ability to work. Often, these victims cannot afford to focus on work and family when they're injured or even clinging to life in an ER. Without a personal injury attorney in Lancaster, SC, to fight for their rights, these same victims provide official statements by mistake to insurance companies. They accept embarrassingly low settlement offers without realizing that they deserve much more.

If you've been hurt in an accident recently, ask yourself these questions:

  • Now that you're injured, what happens next?
  • How am I going to pay for my stay at the hospital?
  • Am I going to get fired because I've missed work?
  • How will I be able to become independent again after this serious injury?

With 30.21 personal injury cases for every 100,000 residents in South Carolina - 217% higher than the national average - it's not surprising that men and women like you are asking the questions above. At the Max Sparwasser Law Firm, LLC, our hearts hurt for victims who are suffering needlessly.

Because, at the end of the day, they're not just hurting physically. They're struggling to make ends meet due to the cost of car repairs, medical bills, doctor's appointments, and loss of income. Fortunately, personal injury laws in South Carolina state that the parties found responsible for your suffering and pain must account for your expenses. With a personal injury lawyer by your side, you have a real shot at getting the compensation you deserve.

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Max Sparwasser: A Personal Injury Lawyer in Lancaster, SC You Can Trust

If you've been injured in an accident in South Carolina, you have the right to file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party. If the insurance company doesn't offer a fair settlement, consider speaking with our Lancaster personal injury lawyer.

At the Max Sparwasser Law Firm, LLC, our goal is to help accident victims in South Carolina recover the maximum amount for their losses, including damages for pain and suffering. Unlike some personal injury law firms, our expert attorneys know that no two cases are ever exactly the same. That's why we take a personalized approach to each case that comes across our desk.

You can rest easy knowing that your personal injury case starts with a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. During this initial meeting, we'll review your accident, determine liability, and recommend the best legal course of action for you. Max Sparwasser and his team focus on a range of personal injury categories, including the following:

Why Choose The Max Sparwasser Law Firm, LLC?

Injured victims choose Max Sparwasser Law Firm, LLC because we put our clients' needs first.

Legal Consultation Lancaster, SC

We Work for You

Max dedicates focused attention to your claim and is confident that once you've met and talked to him, you will feel comfortable entrusting him with your personal injury case.

Seasoned Personal Injury Lawyer

Your case is going to be handled personally by Max, properly and professionally. NO FEES are collected unless you are paid benefits.

Personalized Attention

Now that you know a little bit more about our personal injury law firm and how we take care of our clients, let's take a look at two of the most common types of personal injury cases we take: Car accidents and workers' compensation.

As an experienced personal injury attorney, Max has the right training and legal tools to assist with your compensation claims and your personal injury case as a whole.

Injured in a Car Wreck? It's Time to Fight for Your Rights

If you've ever been in a minor fender bender, you know how frustrating and scary it can be when police are called and insurance companies get involved. Dinging a car is one thing, but a full-on car wreck is a completely different story. A car accident in Lancaster can result in significant expenses such as vehicle damage and medical costs.

If a distracted driver kills your loved one, the impact on your family can be profound and long-lasting. Survivors of car accidents often experience emotional distress, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other challenges that alter their quality of life. In the face of these life-changing events, aggressive representation from a personal injury attorney in Lancaster, SC, can maximize your chances of winning your case.

Accident Recovery Lancaster, SC

The Truth About Insurance Companies and Car Accidents in South Carolina

Here's an uncomfortable truth to digest: Insurance companies often aim to pay out as little as possible. Fortunately, you can protect yourself from their tactics by getting the right legal support for your personal injury claim.

When you report a crash to an insurer, they'll assign an adjuster to your case. However, these adjusters deal with many cases and may not fully understand yours. If an insurance claims adjuster contacts you, be cautious. They aren't looking out for your best interests. It's common for adjusters to push for settlements that undervalue your claim.

Stick to the facts if you talk to an adjuster and refuse to provide a recorded statement or agree to any settlement. Instead, wait until you've consulted with a personal injury attorney. At the Max Sparwasser Law Firm, LLC, our team of car accident lawyers will assess the true worth of your claim and protect you from being taken advantage of by insurance companies.

The Truth About Insurance Companies and Car Accidents in South Carolina

When you hire a personal injury attorney in Lancaster, SC, from Max Sparwasser Law Firm, you don't have to know all our state's car crash and insurance laws. We have the expertise, knowledge, and resources to handle any case related to a car accident in the Lowcountry. Our long-time car accident attorneys can handle the legal proceedings for you and provide you with peace of mind during negotiations. With that said, we understand that the more you know about South Carolina's car wreck laws, the better you can safeguard your rights after an accident.

As such, here are three car wreck laws in South Carolina you should understand:

It's important to keep in mind that there's a time limit, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a car accident claim in South Carolina. Typically, you need to pursue your claim against the at-fault driver or another party within three years of the car accident. However, there are certain cases that require action within two years. If you fail to file your personal injury claim within the specified deadline, you may forfeit your right to make a claim permanently.

Personal Injury Attorney Lancaster, SC

Like many other states, South Carolina operates under a "fault" insurance system. This system holds the driver responsible for covering the damages of the injured party if they are at fault for the accident.

Legal Consultation Lancaster, SC

If you are in a car accident and it leads to a personal injury claim due to negligence, the court needs to determine that you (the plaintiff) are 50% or less at fault for the accident. If you are found to be more than 50% responsible, you will lose your right to seek compensation. However, if you are 50% or less at fault, you will receive at least some compensation. Your award will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you.

Accident Recovery Lancaster, SC
Personal Injury Attorney Lancaster, SC

The Role of Negligence in South Carolina

When drivers take the wheel, they bear the responsibility of being careful and attentive to their surroundings. This means watching out for other drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and all road users. However, if a driver chooses to text, eat, or talk on the phone while driving, they are failing to do so and are behaving negligently.

Negligence involves acting carelessly, resulting in harm or damage. Other examples of negligence include:

  • Running Red Lights
  • Speeding
  • Failure to Yield
  • Distracted Driving
  • DUI
  • Improper Lane Change
  • Much More

If you've been in a car accident and need help understanding our local laws or the role of negligence in your case, schedule your free claim assessment with the Max Sparwasser Law Firm, LLC, today. The sooner you know your rights and file a claim, the sooner our lawyers can advocate on your behalf. Our accident lawyers will uphold your best interests despite pushback from insurance companies and the complex legal system in South Carolina.

Workers' Compensation Claims in South Carolina Explained

While South Carolina's workplace incidence rate was lower than the national average in 2020, tens of thousands of workers were reportedly injured on the job. In fact, private employers in South Carolina reported 29,100 nonfatal injuries and illnesses, resulting in an incident rate of 2.1 cases per 100 full-time equivalent workers. In 2021, the private sector reported 30,300 such injuries and illnesses, leading to an incidence rate of 2.2 cases per 100 workers, many of whom hired.

Public sector employers reported 8,100 injury and illness cases in 2021, with 72 percent occurring among local government workers. Occupational illness trends in South Carolina mirrored those seen nationwide. In 2020, the private sector accounted for 4,200 of the total reported cases, and 3,100 in 2021, showing a 26 percent decline.

Respiratory illnesses made up 79 percent of the total occupational illnesses reported in South Carolina in 2020. In 2021, 89.8 percent of private industry recorded incidents were injuries.

Legal Consultation Lancaster, SC

Personal injury attorneys in Lancaster, SC, fought some of the state's biggest employers in court, including brands such as:

  • Volvo
  • BMW
  • College of Lancaster
  • Boeing
  • Medical University of South Carolina
  • Kapstone
  • Roper Hospital
  • Rober Bosch Corporation

While there is no single federal law governing workers' compensation, every state in the U.S. has its own workers' compensation system. This program provides financial benefits to employees who experience job-related injuries or illnesses. Typically, an injured worker can receive workers' compensation benefits without needing to prove their employer's negligence. In exchange, the employee forfeits the right to file a personal injury claim against the employer.

Under the state workers' comp system, an injured employee will be reimbursed for all necessary medical treatment following a workplace accident. If the injury or illness leads to more than seven days of missed work, the employee will receive 66.66% of their average weekly wage, up to a maximum amount. Workers may also receive compensation for permanent disabilities or disfigurement. The maximum award for death or total disability is 500 weeks of compensation.

Lifetime benefits are available in cases of paraplegia, quadriplegia, and brain injury. It should be noted that trying to

Who Can Receive Workers' Comp Benefits in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, most employees are eligible for workers' compensation benefits if they suffer an injury or illness while working. Employees don't need to prove fault; they just need to prove that the injury or illness happened at work or during a work-related activity. Unfortunately, there are exceptions under the SC State Workers' Compensation Act, meaning some employers never qualify for workers' compensation.

Those restrictions apply to:

  • Federal Employees
  • Small Businesses with Three or Less Employees
  • Agricultural Employees
  • Casual Employees
  • Some Realtors
  • Corporate Officers
  • Railroad Workers

Employers who fall under the SC State Workers' Compensation Act must maintain the required minimum amounts of workers' comp insurance. If you're trying to pick up the pieces after being injured at work, contact the Max Sparwasser Law Firm, LLC today. Our personal injury attorneys will work tirelessly to get you the help you need to rebuild your life.

Accident Recovery Lancaster, SC

Top Reasons to Hire a Worker's Compensation Personal Injury Attorney in Lancaster, SC

Many injured workers assume they can save money by foregoing a personal injury attorney to oversee their workers' comp claim. In reality, many plaintiffs lose money - or don't get the proper amount they're owed - when they choose not to hire a lawyer. If you were recently injured at work and are on the fence about retaining counsel for your case, keep these facts in mind.

To safeguard your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation, injured individuals must file a workers' compensation claim. Unfortunately, many people come up with reasons why they shouldn't file a claim before determining whether their claim is valid.

Some of the most common reasons for doing so include:

  • Reporting the Injury to Management and Continuing to Work
  • Having an Existing Condition
  • Fear Over Job Termination

You should know that making the decisions above doesn't necessarily disqualify you from making a workers' comp claim. That's why it's so important to work with an experienced workers' compensation lawyer. Great workers' comp attorneys - like those at the Max Sparwasser Law Firm, LLC - thoroughly assess your case and help determine whether you have a valid claim for workers' compensation benefits.

Personal Injury Attorney Lancaster, SC

Here's a safely kept secret in the insurance industry: Skilled workers' compensation lawyers create risk. Insurance companies hate risk because it exposes them and causes them to lose money. An experienced workers' compensation lawyer takes on risk by developing the best strategy to maximize your benefits and gathering evidence that will be admissible in a hearing.

Do you truly understand the benefits you're entitled to? Do you know what you need to prove in order to win? Do you know how to effectively present that evidence? This can be quite complex, even for attorneys, which is why an injured employee alone doesn't pose much of a threat to the insurance company. That's why professional help from a qualified attorney is essential in workers' comp cases.

Legal Consultation Lancaster, SC

It's important to keep in mind that there's a time limit, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a car accident claim in South Carolina. Typically, you need to pursue your claim against the at-fault driver or another party within three years of the car accident. However, there are certain cases that require action within two years. If you fail to file your personal injury claim within the specified deadline, you may forfeit your right to make a claim permanently.

Accident Recovery Lancaster, SC

It's important to keep in mind that there's a time limit, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a car accident claim in South Carolina. Typically, you need to pursue your claim against the at-fault driver or another party within three years of the car accident. However, there are certain cases that require action within two years. If you fail to file your personal injury claim within the specified deadline, you may forfeit your right to make a claim permanently.

Personal Injury Attorney Lancaster, SC

Trust the Max Sparwasser Law Firm Difference

Whether you have been injured in a car accident, hurt at work, or are struggling with another type of personal injury situation, know that our team is here to help. Our personal injury attorneys in Lancaster, SC are insurance claims experts and know how to negotiation and achieve maximum financial compensation. The best part? We take all cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don't pay us unless we win. That's the Max Sparwasser Law Firm difference. Contact our office today to learn more about personal injury cases in South Carolina and whether or not you have a valid claim.

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Latest News in Lancaster, SC

Lancaster County school board candidates weigh in

KERSHAW, S.C. — Lancaster County School Board will have two new members following the Nov. 5 election. Revery “Rev” Johnson is unopposed in District 4, and voters will decide between three candidates vying for District 6. Incumbent Tyrom Faulkner is unopposed in District 2. Local school board seats are non-partisan.Editor’s note: Unopposed candidates’ bios can be found with this story onine. School Board District 6: Olivia McIsaac Hann Age: 48...

KERSHAW, S.C. — Lancaster County School Board will have two new members following the Nov. 5 election. Revery “Rev” Johnson is unopposed in District 4, and voters will decide between three candidates vying for District 6. Incumbent Tyrom Faulkner is unopposed in District 2. Local school board seats are non-partisan.

Editor’s note: Unopposed candidates’ bios can be found with this story onine.

This Friday, it’s time to Give Local!

2024 Participating OrganizationsA Father's Way, Above and Beyond Tutoring, All For One Disaster Relief, Alston Wilkes Society, American Legion Post 250 Indian Land SC, Arts Council of Chester County, Battered But Not Broken, Big Thursday of Lancaster, Boy Scouts of America Troop 720, Call Me Beauty Mentoring Program, Cancer of Many Colors, Carolina Elite Panthers, Catawba Riverkeeper, Chester Center of Hope, Chester County First Steps, Chester County Historical Society, Child Evangelism Fellowship: Catawba River Chapter, Children&rs...

2024 Participating Organizations

A Father's Way, Above and Beyond Tutoring, All For One Disaster Relief, Alston Wilkes Society, American Legion Post 250 Indian Land SC, Arts Council of Chester County, Battered But Not Broken, Big Thursday of Lancaster, Boy Scouts of America Troop 720, Call Me Beauty Mentoring Program, Cancer of Many Colors, Carolina Elite Panthers, Catawba Riverkeeper, Chester Center of Hope, Chester County First Steps, Chester County Historical Society, Child Evangelism Fellowship: Catawba River Chapter, Children’s Attention Home, Children's Cancer Partners of the Carolinas, Christian Services, Columbus Parker Track Club, Community Playhouse of Lancaster County, CURES For Chester, Educational Foundation of USC Lancaster, Elizabeth Hutchinson Jackson Chapter NSDAR, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Fellowship of Christian Athletes - Chester County, FHV Christian Church- The Community Powerhouse, Fort Lawn Community Center, Foundation for the Chester County Sheriff’s Office, Friends of Andrew Jackson State Park, Friends of the Buford Massacre Battlefield, Friends of the Del Webb Library, Girls on the Run Tri County SC, GoldenCare, Good Samaritan Medical Clinic, Grace-Lynnwood United Methodist Church "The Bridge," GRASP, Great Falls Home Town Association, Greater Victory ER Center, Gregory Family YMCA, Habitat for Humanity of Lancaster County, Hook Line and Heroes, HOPE in Lancaster Inc., Horse N Around Therapeutic Riding Center, Hospice & Community Care, House of Pearls, i58 Inc., Indian Land YMCA, James R. Clark Memorial Sickle Cell Foundation Lancaster Satellite Office, KARE - Kershaw Area Resource Exchange, Katawba Valley Land Trust, Kershaw Community Park Council (KCPC), Kingdom Encounters Journey's Children Closet, Kingdom of God Church Intl of SC, Lancaster Children's Home Inc.,, Lancaster County Community Center (aka Barr Street), Lancaster County Council of the Arts, Lancaster County Council on Aging, Lancaster County First Steps, Lancaster County Good Samaritan Scholarship Foundation, Lancaster County Society for Historical Preservation, Lancaster Dixie Baseball, Lancaster Housing Services, Lancaster Promise Neighborhood, Lancaster SC250 Committee, Lancaster SPCA, Lindsay Pettus Greenway Inc., Lions Vision Services, Lynne's Haven of Hope, Mount Calvary Outreach Center Inc., NAMI Piedmont Tri-County, Palmetto Citizens Against Sexual Assault, Paws in the Panhandle Rescue and Adoption, ROTB Diplomat Center. Safe Passage Inc., Salt of the Earth 2022, Seth's Giving Tree, Sheltered, Simple Faith Ranch, Tender Hearts Ministries, The Beacon Foundation Inc., The Camryn Olivia Foundation Inc., The Children's Council, The Lord’s Lunchbox, The Turning Point of Chester, Therapy Resource Group, United for Baby, United Way of Lancaster County, Upper Midlands Rural Health Network, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12136 Indian Land SC, Women's Enrichment Center, WorkAbility

SC school bonds: Lancaster, Chester plans defeated, while York’s is approved

Lancaster County and Chester County voters chose not to approve massive school bonds, unofficial election results show.Almost 60% of voters picked “no” on the school bond in Lancaster County, with all precincts reporting. Results won’t be official until they’re certified later this week. The bond would’ve built new Indian Land schools and renovate facilities elsewhere. The five northernmost precincts supported the bond and everything farther south opposed it, among posted results.The ...

Lancaster County and Chester County voters chose not to approve massive school bonds, unofficial election results show.

Almost 60% of voters picked “no” on the school bond in Lancaster County, with all precincts reporting. Results won’t be official until they’re certified later this week. The bond would’ve built new Indian Land schools and renovate facilities elsewhere. The five northernmost precincts supported the bond and everything farther south opposed it, among posted results.

The Lancaster County School District asked voters to approve what may be a state record $588 million school bond.

The proposal included a new high school and elementary school in Indian Land. Two more new elementary schools would consolidate four facilities in Lancaster, Kershaw and Heath Springs. The bond included renovations and upgrades throughout the district.

The South Carolina School Boards Association tracks referendum results back to 1978.

Only two votes put more money to schools than the one voters saw on Election Day in Lancaster County. Neither of them were true bond votes. Each was a sales tax to fund schools.

The Lancaster school bond was debated in numerous school district and community forums. Groups like Vote Yes Lancaster School Bond and Lancaster Vote No School Bond formed online.

Support came from parents concerned with school overcrowding, particularly in Indian Land. Opposition focused on the high price, the amount of resources devoted solely to the county’s panhandle and the need for a new high school.

More than than half of the registered voters in Lancaster County cast ballots before Tuesday. More than 38,000 early and absentee ballots make up 54% of all voters. York County had 53% of its registered voters participate early. Chester County was at 45%.

The York School District asked voters for $90 million to pay for a new middle school, expansion and renovation of district facilities. The plan included the conversion of the district’s alternative learning school, York One Academy, into an early childhood learning center.

More than 64% of the votes in York supported the bond, with all precincts reported.

The Chester County School District asked for $227 million to replace Chester and Lewisville high schools with new facilities. The bond also included money to upgrade classrooms, security, gym and fine arts space.

Like the even larger amount in Lancaster County, the bond request in Chester County is higher than any approved school bond amount on record in the Rock Hill region. A $226 million bond approved by Fort Mill voters in 2015 was the highest heading into Election Day.

Chester County voters did see the only one larger, when they turned down a $263 million bond two years ago.

About 54% of votes were against the school bond once all precincts reported.

A Flourish chart

Coming into election day, six school districts across the three-county Rock Hill region had a 71% passage rate for 38 bonds all-time.

Lancaster County (67%) and Chester County (17%) fell below that mark. York (80%) passed bonds at a higher rate.

The Lancaster County bond Tuesday was more than twice the amount of all three of its prior referendum questions combined. Voters turned down a $30 million school bond in 1991 and a $37 million bond in 1999.

The school district went the other way in 2016. That’s when 74% of voters approved a $199 million bond for a new high school in Indian Land, an elementary school and other upgrades.

York approved four bonds from 1985 to 2007, combining for $119 million. Voters there voted against a $69 million bond in 2003.

Chester County last passed a bond in 1996.

Since 1989 there were five failed bonds, including three in the last six years. Before Tuesday’s decision, Chester County voters turned down $482 million worth of bonds while passing only the $19 million vote almost three decades ago.

This is a developing story.

This story was originally published November 5, 2024, 8:29 PM.

Want to vote early in South Carolina? Here’s when and where to cast your ballot

CHARLESTON, S.C. — The 2024 general election is quickly approaching, but South Carolina voters will not have to wait until Election Day to cast a ballot.Governor Henry McMaster signed a law in May 2022 that replaces in-person absentee voting with an early in-person voting period for the two weeks leading up to election days.Any registered voter, including those w...

CHARLESTON, S.C. — The 2024 general election is quickly approaching, but South Carolina voters will not have to wait until Election Day to cast a ballot.

Governor Henry McMaster signed a law in May 2022 that replaces in-person absentee voting with an early in-person voting period for the two weeks leading up to election days.

Any registered voter, including those who will be 18 years old by the Nov. 5 general election, can cast a ballot during the early voting period without an excuse.

“Early voting provides a convenient and secure way for you to cast your ballot,” said Howie Knapp, the executive director of the South Carolina Election Commission. “Find an early voting center in your county, vote just like you would at your polling place on Election Day, and have your voice heard.”

Early voting for the 2024 election begins on Monday, October 21, and ends on Saturday, Nov. 2.

Interactive content by Flourish

Here’s what voters need to know:

The ballot will include seven candidates for president, according to officials:

An eighth candidate — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — was initially nominated by the South Carolina Alliance Party. However, party leaders withdrew him from the ballot in August after he suspended his presidential campaign.

Additionally, each of South Carolina’s seven U.S. House of Representatives seats is up for election.

All 170 seats in the South Carolina state legislature — 124 in the House and 46 in the Senate — are also up for grabs this year. Some are uncontested, however.

Some ballots will also include races for county sheriff, circuit solicitor, probate judge, coroner, school board, and other countywide and local races.

Voters can find out who is on the ballot where they live by obtaining a sample ballot from the South Carolina Election Commission.

South Carolina adopted new state legislative district maps in December 2021 following the 2020 U.S. Census. Some district lines were redrawn, new districts were created, and some districts were eliminated.

Voters can find out which district they live in on the South Carolina legislature’s website.

Each county in South Carolina is required to have at least one polling location open for early voting. Some larger counties may have multiple open locations while smaller counties may have just one early voting site.

Early voting centers are open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the early voting period. Early voting is not available on Sunday, Oct. 27.

Here are the early voting locations* in the Lowcountry, by county:

Chester County

Chesterfield County

Lancaster County

York County

You can find the complete list of early voting locations in every South Carolina county here.

Editor’s Note: The list of early voting centers may be updated as additional information becomes available.

A valid photo ID is required to vote in South Carolina elections, including during the early voting period. Acceptable forms of identification include:

State law requires an individual to register to vote at least 30 days before an election.

The deadline to register for the 2024 election is Monday, Oct. 14.

There are several ways you can register to vote in South Carolina:

1 – South Carolinians can register online by visiting scvotes.gov before midnight on Oct. 14. You will need your South Carolina Driver’s License or DMV ID card.

2 – Download a voter registration form from scvotes.gov. Complete and return the form to your county voter registration office either by fax or email before midnight on Oct. 14, or by mail – but it must be postmarked by Oct. 14.

3 – Register in person at your county voter registration office. Remember: most offices close at 5 p.m. for in-office registration.

Voters can check their registration status by visiting scvotes.gov.

SC school bonds: Lancaster, Chester plans defeated, while York’s is approved

Lancaster County and Chester County voters chose not to approve massive school bonds, unofficial election results show.Almost 60% of voters picked “no” on the school bond in Lancaster County, with all precincts reporting. Results won’t be official until they’re certified later this week. The bond would’ve built new Indian Land schools and renovate facilities elsewhere. The five northernmost precincts supported the bond and everything farther south opposed it, among posted results.The ...

Lancaster County and Chester County voters chose not to approve massive school bonds, unofficial election results show.

Almost 60% of voters picked “no” on the school bond in Lancaster County, with all precincts reporting. Results won’t be official until they’re certified later this week. The bond would’ve built new Indian Land schools and renovate facilities elsewhere. The five northernmost precincts supported the bond and everything farther south opposed it, among posted results.

The Lancaster County School District asked voters to approve what may be a state record $588 million school bond.

The proposal included a new high school and elementary school in Indian Land. Two more new elementary schools would consolidate four facilities in Lancaster, Kershaw and Heath Springs. The bond included renovations and upgrades throughout the district.

The South Carolina School Boards Association tracks referendum results back to 1978.

Only two votes put more money to schools than the one voters saw on Election Day in Lancaster County. Neither of them were true bond votes. Each was a sales tax to fund schools.

The Lancaster school bond was debated in numerous school district and community forums. Groups like Vote Yes Lancaster School Bond and Lancaster Vote No School Bond formed online.

Support came from parents concerned with school overcrowding, particularly in Indian Land. Opposition focused on the high price, the amount of resources devoted solely to the county’s panhandle and the need for a new high school.

More than than half of the registered voters in Lancaster County cast ballots before Tuesday. More than 38,000 early and absentee ballots make up 54% of all voters. York County had 53% of its registered voters participate early. Chester County was at 45%.

The York School District asked voters for $90 million to pay for a new middle school, expansion and renovation of district facilities. The plan included the conversion of the district’s alternative learning school, York One Academy, into an early childhood learning center.

More than 64% of the votes in York supported the bond, with all precincts reported.

The Chester County School District asked for $227 million to replace Chester and Lewisville high schools with new facilities. The bond also included money to upgrade classrooms, security, gym and fine arts space.

Like the even larger amount in Lancaster County, the bond request in Chester County is higher than any approved school bond amount on record in the Rock Hill region. A $226 million bond approved by Fort Mill voters in 2015 was the highest heading into Election Day.

Chester County voters did see the only one larger, when they turned down a $263 million bond two years ago.

About 54% of votes were against the school bond once all precincts reported.

A Flourish chart

Coming into election day, six school districts across the three-county Rock Hill region had a 71% passage rate for 38 bonds all-time.

Lancaster County (67%) and Chester County (17%) fell below that mark. York (80%) passed bonds at a higher rate.

The Lancaster County bond Tuesday was more than twice the amount of all three of its prior referendum questions combined. Voters turned down a $30 million school bond in 1991 and a $37 million bond in 1999.

The school district went the other way in 2016. That’s when 74% of voters approved a $199 million bond for a new high school in Indian Land, an elementary school and other upgrades.

York approved four bonds from 1985 to 2007, combining for $119 million. Voters there voted against a $69 million bond in 2003.

Chester County last passed a bond in 1996.

Since 1989 there were five failed bonds, including three in the last six years. Before Tuesday’s decision, Chester County voters turned down $482 million worth of bonds while passing only the $19 million vote almost three decades ago.

This is a developing story.

This story was originally published November 5, 2024, 8:29 PM.

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