Some of the additions that were originally a part of the new school layout have been cut because the plans have forced the project six million over budget.

Original renovation plans called for new classrooms to ease overcrowding and to get rid of the portables. It also called for an improved athletic wing and larger cafeteria. These renovations will remain but the Fine Arts took a major cut with the loss of an independent auditorium.

“We tried our best to put in an actual auditorium big enough, but what it came down to was what we had to have versus what we would like to have,” said Principal Mike Satterfield.

The plans hit an unsuspected snag when it was determined that the two new athletic practice fields, new soccer practice field, field house, retaining wall and the baseball field parking lot would all have to be built on current wetlands. Wetlands are protected areas that require developers that destroy them to replace them in other areas.  Part of the referendum money will go to replenish wetlands in the Greenville and Newberry area. The additional costs will exceed $600,000 for that part of the project alone.

Due to the current economic downturn and tight budget, changes had to be made. Instead of a full size auditorium with a stage and audience seating, students will be able watch performances in the new gym which will have a stage.

The full size auditorium, including the larger stage and seating area, would put the projected cost even further over the already stretched budget. Currently, Chapin High’s old gym, which will be the new cafeteria, doubles as an auditorium, using bleachers and extra chairs for seating. It hosts pep rallies, band performances, and the Miss Chapin pageant, among other events.

“Because of the limited space, choral performances don’t come cheap. This choir is too good to be stuck in a place where they can’t be heard, and it would be great if we could perform in a place at our school,” said Brasche.

The limited use of space creates other problems, which often forces some school performances off campus to other locations, such as local churches.

In the end, the numbers were the deciding factor in the new plans and some things just could not fit in. Even though it may not be the ideal plan, Mrs. Brasche and the Fine Arts Department are resigned to the cuts.

“In the end, what we have given to us is what we are going to have to use to the best of our ability,” said Brasche.