Chapin High School’s Student Government has gotten tired of the delays and the lack of understanding of the law suit against the project planning to renovate the school and add additional class rooms. Many students along with members of student government see the need for additional classrooms and a renovated school.
Compared to other schools in our district, our school is small and inadequate. We need additional class rooms and learning space” said junior Hallie Chapman.
Although many students are against the lawsuit, some support it.
Senior Kirby Howell added, I understand where the lawsuit is coming from. The reason for the lawsuit makes sense to me. The only reason why most people are against Murphy is because it’s the popular thing to do.”
At a board meeting held at Chapin High School, the lawyers supporting Chapin High School and the architects that designed the school told students about the real cause of the lawsuits and ways to support the school in their renovations.
The lawyers said if the judge decides to give the school rights to continue with renovations, they would have to advertise the renovations for thirty days, and in that time a community member could appeal what the judge decided. If that were to happen, the whole process would start over.
Also, the lawyers said that if the project is not started within the next two years the money cannot be used and another vote would have to be held.
This has angered many students who view Murphy’s appeal of the DHEC permit as a legal maneuver to prevent the school from being renovated.  Student Government President Maggie Stroud, along with fellow government members Hannah Fallaw, Kaylee Browder, Elizabeth Reed, and Logan Schumpert crafted a petition in February that was presented to school board members at the March 14 board meeting at Irmo Middle School. Many members of CHS Student Government members spoke to the board, along with other students at CHS and Chapin community members.
Representatives of the District Five School Board estimated Murphy’s appeal could extend delays up to another three years at an estimated loss of over four million dollars.
After numerous speeches delivered by CHS Student Government members, CHS students, and community members, the crowd erupted in applause.
No one spoke on behalf of the appeal except Murphy.