Business, Education Leaders to Review Need for Extension of Half-Cent Sales Tax for Schools
TALLAHASSEE, FL – The facilities needs of Leon County Schools will come under the microscope of local business leaders, following agreement by the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce to conduct a comprehensive, independent review of the need to extend the half-cent sales tax for schools.
Chamber Chairman Bill Moor and President Sue Dick announced that Tallahassee Community College President Jim Murdaugh will chair the Capital Improvements Review Team (CIRT) process on behalf of the Chamber and the local business community. Leon County Schools Superintendent Jackie Pons asked the Chamber to review the school district’s recommendations for how the resources would be spent if the decade-old tax is extended for another 15 years, raising a projected $256.9 million for additional school improvements.
“Ten years ago, the Chamber took a close look at the school district’s resources and concluded that a half-penny sales tax was the best way to provide for the significant needs of children in Leon County,” Moor said. “I am proud that leaders from across the business community have agreed to volunteer again for this important mission.”
The schools’ half-penny sales tax was approved by voters in 2002 and has provided $149.6 million for vital improvements at every school in the county, but it is set to expire later this year. The CIRT process will involve a thorough assessment of the school district’s ongoing capital needs.
Pons said he strongly believes the tax should be extended, and welcomes the perspective of the Chamber’s independent review
“Leon County Schools promised voters that the half-penny sales tax would produce meaningful improvements for our children. We have kept faith with the voters and made significant improvement at every school in the county,” said Pons. “Now it’s time to plan ahead and make sure we have sufficient resources for the next 15 years.”
A report by the Capital Improvements Review Team in 2002 found that 30 percent of the revenue generated by the half-penny tax would be paid by non-residents,
easing the burden on Leon County residents. Almost half the need identified at that time – 45 percent – was for renovation and maintenance of existing facilities, while another 32 percent of the needed improvements involved aging heating and air conditioning systems.
As chairman of the CIRT, Murdaugh will coordinate teams examining the school district’s needs in areas including renovation and maintenance; new construction and remodeling; transportation; technology; and finance. The teams will consist of community leaders in the various fields, as well as citizen volunteers.
“Those of us in leadership positions in the community know what an incredible resource we have in Leon County Schools,” said Murdaugh. “The schools are literally building the future leadership of our community, state and nation, and I am pleased to do my part to ensure the success of this important process.”
Added Dick: “We’re proud that so many business leaders have agreed to lend their unique skills to improving our community. I can’t think of a better way to contribute than by helping what is already a top-notch school district.”
The following individuals have agreed to serve as leaders of CIRT subcommittees:
Jim Murdaugh – CIRT Chair
Tallahassee Community College
Pamela Butler – Chair, Instructional Delivery/Technology Subcommittee
Aegis Business Technologies
Kim Gabbard – Chair, Renovation Subcommittee
Northwood Centre
Chris Jensen – Chair, Finance Subcommittee
Prime Meridian Bank
John Stewart – Chair, New Construction/Remodeling Subcommittee
JMS Builder Tallahassee
Kim Williams – Chair, Transportation Subcommittee
Marpan Supply Company
Elaine Bryant – Chair, Special Issues Subcommittee
Elaine Bryant and Associates
Ron Sachs – Chair, Communications Subcommittee
Ron Sachs Communications
