Matt Bathrick is reporting in the Columbia Paper the Chatham school board has rejected an idea to split the proposed capital project into two proposals. The matter goes to district voters in a special election November 19. The district will consolidate students into two buildings in September 2015. To accommodate the move, the board has recommended the expenditure of $13.8 million for upgrades to the two remaining schools for additional classrooms, a fitness room, music room, general renovations and an expansion of the Mary E. Dardess Elementary School gym. A suggestion was previously made to split the proposal, based on concerns the public may view some of the items as "wants" rather than "needs." The board's Facilities Committee reviewed the suggestion and determined each component of the project was necessary, according to Superintendent Cheryl Nuciforo. The district will hold a town-hall-style meeting on the consolidation play, September 12. Read the full story in the Columbia Paper.