Midlands STEM in Winnsboro Uses $15.6 Million in JEDA Bonds for Permanent Facility
Winnsboro, SC — Fairfield County
Midlands STEM Charter School is using a $15,630,000 bond issue through the South Carolina Jobs-Economic Development Authority (JEDA) to finance the acquisition of its new permanent home in Winnsboro.
Midlands STEM was founded in 2014 as a public charter school serving students through fifth grade and now has an enrollment of approximately 250 students ranging from Pre-K through 12th grade at the campus located at 854 Highway 321 Business South in Winnsboro.
The 39,468-square-foot building was completed last year and features 20 classrooms, a gymnasium, cafeteria, a STEM lab and robotics program. A soccer-size playing field is also located on the campus.
“Moving from leasing to owning our forever home is a welcome milestone in our school’s history. We’re proud of the work we’ve done and the community we’ve built in our first decade and are looking forward to much more success in the years ahead.”
Dr. TK Kennedy, Chief Executive Officer of Midlands STEM Charter School
“Educational Facilities Revenue Bonds are an ideal vehicle for projects like Midlands STEM, and we’re pleased and privileged to have helped the school through this process. Midlands STEM’s beautiful new facility will position the school well for the future, and the growth to come in the community associated with the new Scout Motors manufacturing facility,” said Alan Linkous, Bond Counsel with Howell Linkous & Nettles in Charleston.
“Tax-exempt bond financing is a critical tool for schools of all types across South Carolina to leverage from initial financing through improvements and expansion. JEDA is happy for the opportunity to assist Midlands STEM in the financing process and be a part of this step in their future,” said JEDA Executive Director Jesse A. Smith.
