Mick Zais, candidate for Superintendent of Education and Andre Bauer, Gubernatorial Candidate have both spoken in favor of stock school plans for the entire state. Stock plans are a one-size-fits all approach to school building that will not work for many reasons.
• Stock plans cannot address varying code requirements. Buildings on South Carolina’s coast require different structural approaches and materials from buildings in the midlands or in the upstate.
• Stock plans do not allow flexibility for curriculum changes, teaching methodologies, or unique community needs.
• Proper design can lower construction cost and help lower the life-cycle costs that occur once the facility is in operation. Architects are able to keep school building costs below other construction because of the constant attention to changing market conditions and adoption of the best materials.
• Stock plans take away local control form school boards who know what is best for their community.
For these many reason, those who have the communities and students best interest at heart should vote not vote for Zais or Bauer.