HORRY COUNTY, SC (WMBF) – Horry County is one of the fastest growing regions in the state, and some schools are feeling the pressure.

Nearly half of Horry County’s schools are full or nearly full.

This is especially true in the Carolina Forest region, where more than 20 percent of Horry County students live.

To counteract overcrowding, two new primary schools are currently being built in the area.

The district said the Conway area has also seen significant growth in recent years. In response, the district just opened the new Whittemore Park Middle School, which welcomed students for the first time Monday.

The one penny sales tax helped fund the $58 million project, and HCS spokeswoman Lisa Bourcier said your vote to keep the tax for another 15 years is the best tool the district can use to keep pace with the county’s growth.

“These funds will be used for capital projects, including school expansions and brand new schools where needed,” Bourcier said. “This will certainly put us in a good position for the future.”

Bourcier said many schools are also using modular or mobile classrooms to free up space.

She said with the opening of the two new elementary schools in Carolina Forest next school year, even more modular classrooms will be freed up for other areas.

Overcrowded buses are also a typical problem at the beginning of the year, but thanks to the new bus guidance system introduced last year, there are already fewer obstacles on the road, says Bourcier.

“I think a lot of the issues we had last year were due to several stops changing with the routing software,” Bourcier said. “Now they’re pretty much set. Everything has really been refined over the course of this year, so we’re hoping for a better, smoother transition this school year.”

Bourcier said vacant bus driver positions also contribute to overcrowding.

There are currently 56 vacant bus driver positions and Bourcier said once the positions are filled, those drivers will be sent to the critical areas.

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