By RAY PINDER
Hernando County Schools Superintendent
The last two items on the Nov. 5 ballot in Hernando County are extremely important to our schools and students. They will actually determine our way forward.
I am referring to the renewal of the half-cent sales tax to fund our facilities and the 1 mill property tax to keep our most experienced teachers in our schools. As superintendent, I can’t tell you how to vote, but I am obligated provide transparent information so you can make an informed decision.
Hernando County voters approved a half-cent sales tax in 2015 so we could repair, renovate and build schools. It has funded everything from air conditioners and roofs to safety gates and technology upgrades. A complete list of how this money has been spent is available on our website, hernandoschools.org.
Voters approved a 1 mill tax in 2020 to make sure our teacher and staff salaries were competitive with other districts, many of which have already passed this tax. Over the past four years, these funds have also been used to hire certified guardians in our schools and mental health counselors to help our students in need.
The two items on the ballot simply allows this to continue. It is not a tax increase, but the renewal of the existing taxes so we can continue to spend these dollars as promised. The plan for future spending is also on our website. In a nutshell, these renewals are designed to keep quality teachers, keep students safe and keep improving our facilities.
The half-cent tax can only be spent on capital projects. Since the 2015 referendum was passed by 60.5% of voters, the district has collected more than $106 million and completed 1,116 projects from the priority list. The cost to citizens is a dime for every $20 spent and visitors to Hernando County pay for about 30% of the total collected.
The 1 mill tax, which was approved by 62% of voters, can only be spent on school operations. Fifty percent goes to salaries, 25 percent goes to counselors and guardians, 15 percent goes to technology and 10 percent goes to enhancing academic programs, plus band, arts and athletic equipment. The cost to property owners is $1 for every $1,000 of assessed value. If this tax fails to pass, teachers and staff will see a significant pay cut.
All the while, the Citizens Accountability Committee will continue to track the half-cent spending and the Citizens Millage Oversight Committee will track the 1 mill spending and report to the school board and taxpayers.