On the need for half-cent sales tax for schools
By BOBBY PEARCE School Superintendent
As the polls open for general election on Tuesday, Nov. 8th, Wakulla County voters will have the opportunity to decide whether they will allow the Wakulla County School District to levy a one-half cent sales tax for the next 10 years.
In order to make an informed decision, it is important our residents understand the facts behind the levy. The Wakulla County School District will dedicate the tax levy specifically to the following Capital Outlay Projects:
• Air quality (HVAC) infrastructure for our aging schools
• School facility renovations and improvements, to include continued levels of enhancement of campus hardening for student and employee safety and security; and
• Additions and upgrades to support increasing demand for Information Technology infrastructure. Our schools are in dire need of HVAC replacement. The HV-AC renovations for Shadeville Elementary, roughly 32 years old now, has been estimated at $9 million in cost. Medart Elementary School, also with imminent HVAC needs, is not trailing far behind at 27 years old. Our schools are beautiful and have been well taken care of. However, complete A/C renovations are extremely costly, and the simple fact is that the monies generated by the 1.5 mil levy on property tax are simply not enough to pay for projects of this magnitude.
As many residents are aware with the increase presence of law enforcement on our campuses, safety and security are a top priority of the district.
Unfortunately, efforts to improve target hardening have been slow because improvements of this nature come at a high cost. The money generated from this tax levy will assist the district in moving forward with the enhancements necessary to increase campus hardening.
Technology funding in recent years has not only been erratic, but it has been reduced dramatically by the legislature. The instability in funding makes it difficult to keep up with the needs of students.
Technology is vital to the success of students and has become critical for the district regarding student assessment and data infrastructure. In addition to aiding in the renovation of HVAC and reinforcement of campus hardening, this tax levy will aide in providing the technology necessary to provide the best educational experience possible for Wakulla County students.
Approval of this levy will result in a sales tax for all goods and services purchased in Wakulla County. This includes non-residents who choose to do business in the county.
Currently many of Wakulla County’s citizens purchase goods and services in Leon County where they pay a half cent sales tax to Leon County Schools for the same purpose!
These are just facts intended to better inform you, the voter, on why the ballot item is being brought for a vote.
Thank you, Bobby Pearce
Bobby Pearce is superintendent of Wakulla County Public Schools