Vote “Yes” for our Children’s Future

If children are our future, then the basic underpinning of a forward-thinking community is the depth of its commitment to maintaining superior public schools. Benefits to our Children and Community On Tuesday March 25^th, the voters of Sarasota County are being asked to reaffirm the proactive approach to better schools they resoundingly opted for a dozen years ago.  In 2002, voters in a landslide said “yes” to a 1-mill property tax assessment for supplemental public school funding.   Today, Sarasota County is not only an “A” school district; but also one of only five of Florida’s 67 districts to earn a perfect grade in 2013. In the upcoming referendum, county voters are being asked to approve a continuation of the 1-mill property tax assessment they first ratified in 2002; then overwhelming re-approved in both 2006 and 2010.    The referendum in no way seeks to raise school taxes beyond their current level.  Instead, by voting “yes” you are simply choosing to maintain the 1-mill school funding assessment of the past 12 years, which equates to one dollar for every $1,000 of a property’s taxable value.  A homeowner with a property valued at $200,000 will continue to pay $200 per year toward maintaining the county’s top-rated schools—a relatively modest price given the benefits that accrue over time to our children and community. Cast a “Yes” Every homeowner should be eager to cast a “yes” vote in the referendum.  One of the primary considerations that many families weigh before moving to a new area is the comparative quality of the schools in the communities being looked at.  Therefore, even if you don’t have children that can benefit directly from better schools, the financial stake you have in your home will likely be enhanced. If renewed, the 1-mill property tax will collect a projected $42 million during the 2014-2015 year.  Among other operational uses, the proceeds will enable the district to offer more advanced science, technology, engineering and math classes; while preserving art, music and drama programs.  It will extend the school day by 30 minutes—the equivalent of 14 extra days of instruction per year—and empower the district to attract and keep outstanding teachers. At the Voting Booth There are no other issues on the ballot.  Thus when you enter the voting booth, the only question put before you will read as follows: “Shall the Sarasota County School District ad valorem millage increase of 1.00 mill per year adopted by the voters in March 2010 for fiscal years beginning July 1, 2010 and ending June 30, 2014 be continued for the fiscal years beginning July 1, 2014 and ending June 30, 2018 for operating expenses necessary to maintain the quality of Sarasota County’s public school system.” It is important to read the entire question carefully before casting your vote, as the word “increase” in its phraseology may prompt one to incorrectly conclude that they are approving a tax increase. In fact, a “yes” vote favors maintaining the current level of school taxation that has helped make Sarasota County one of Florida’s most sought-after school districts.

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