A Citizen's Oversight Committee will review the expenditures and report to the public annually. The district is subject to multiple audits each year.

An abundance of research documents show that enhanced technology and safe, attractive buildings improve student learning. Modern school design facilitates project-based learning, problem-solving and movement. Natural lighting, clean air and proper air conditioning and ventilation all have an impact on student learning. Students are proud of their facilities and feel safe inside. The upgraded schools also help attract and retain high-quality teachers, which is the number one factor next to parents for a successful education.

When four old schools are consolidated into two new schools, the operation and maintenance costs are reduced. New schools improve neighborhood integrity and increase property values. A high-quality education produces a more capable workforce, which improves the quality of life for everyone. New schools are also used as hurricane shelters and meeting spaces for the entire community.

There’s never a good time to ask voters for a tax increase, but now is the best time for students, taxpayers, and the community. Experienced facility planners looked deeply into current and projected needs over the next 20 years and by passing the tax now, the district has the option of securing bonds for immediate needs and planning the future with a known income source. Further delays continue the inefficiency of maintaining out-dated schools and failing to make necessary repairs and renovations.

The state reduced its contribution to capital improvements during the recession in 2008 and never restored it, resulting in a huge backlog of facility needs. In addition, Columbia County has some of the oldest schools in the state. Many other districts have already passed a similar tax.

Lottery dollars cannot be used on school building maintenance or construction. The state mandates where it goes, mostly to Bright Futures scholarships and higher education.

Operational dollars mostly pay for salaries and benefits, along with day-to-day expenses, like utilities and textbooks. Capital dollars may only be used for facility improvements, such as repairs, renovations, new schools, technology and safety enhancements. The half-penny sales tax can only be used for capital improvements.

Absolutely not. By law, money from this initiative can only be spent on facility upgrades.