St. Johns County voters will face two separate ballot questions this November regarding funding for their public school district, addressing both physical needs for school buildings, and needs for programs and teacher pay.
Sales tax question
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The first question asks voters to extend a half-cent sales tax to fund the construction of schools. The tax was first approved by St. Johns County voters on Nov. 3, 2015, and became effective on Jan. 1, 2016. It is currently scheduled to end Dec. 31, 2025, unless extended.
A website by the school district illustrates how that money has been used over the past decade.
Shall the School Board of St. Johns County, Florida continue the one-half cent sales surtax to fund the construction, reconstruction and improvement of school facilities, including safety and security improvements and technology upgrades, beginning January 1, 2026, and ending December 31, 2035, with revenue shared with charter schools based on their proportionate share of total enrollment, and continued monitoring by a citizen advisory committee?
- For the half-cent tax
- Against the half-cent tax
Property tax question
The second question asks voters to approve an increased property tax rate for school funding, in order to fund higher teacher pay, investments in school safety and student welfare, and programs including science, technology, art, music and athletics.
The tax increase would be an increase of one mill, beginning July 1, 2025, and lasting for four years.
Shall the School Board of St. Johns County levy additional operating millage of one mill annually for four years beginning July 1, 2025, to provide funding to: (a) recruit and retain high-quality teachers and staff by paying competitive compensation as compared to surrounding school districts, (b) continue to invest in school safety and student welfare, including school nurses and special education, and (c) preserve and enhance educational programs, including science, technology, art, music and athletics?
- Yes
- No
The school district has also set up a Referendum Information Guide, calling it, “Two Votes, One Decision for Our Students.” A series of town hall presentations are planned regarding the ballot questions, each one starting at 6 p.m.:
- Monday, Sept. 30: Bartram Trail High School
- Thursday, Oct. 3: Gamble Rogers Middle School
- Tuesday, Oct. 15: School Board Auditorium
- Thursday, Oct. 17: Nease High School