The Orange County School Board approved a resolution ordering a referendum election for this November’s ballot to continue the half-cent sales tax. If approved by Orange County voters, the referendum will help fund the district’s capital construction needs for the next 10 years.
The Orange County School Board voted at its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, April 23, at the Ronald Blocker Educational Leadership Center in Orlando.
Since 2002, the half-cent sales tax has generated more than $4 billion for school construction and renovation. More than 50 percent of the revenue collected comes from tourists and non-Orange County residents. Over the last two decades, it has funded the renovation or replacement of 136 schools and the construction of 65 new schools.
The half-cent sales tax will generate funding over the next decade to maintain and update current schools and build new schools in high-growth areas of the county. In addition, this funding will help to enhance student security and provide updated technology in schools.
The next step is to send the referendum to the Board of County Commissioners for approval to place on the November 5 ballot.
The Apopka Chief and The Planter are weekly community newspapers, independently owned and family operated, that have served the greater Apopka area in Central Florida since 1923 and 1965 respectively.
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