Citizens committee reports $254.8 million collected from current half-cent sales tax since 2018

Joe Hooton, chairman of the Citizens Half Cent Sales Tax Watchdog Committee, presented a historical financial update on the district’s half-cent sales tax that funds capital improvements for K–12 public education in Escambia County. Hooton said the watchdog committee — created in 1998 and appointed by the board and superintendent so each district is represented — reviews expenditures and receives regular briefings from district operations and finance staff. He reported historical collections and the status of current referenda: - 1998–2002 (first five-year referendum): $87,032,005.44 collected (as reported by committee) - 2003–2007 (second five-year): $116,395,299.41 collected - 2008–2017 (first 10-year): $219,992,981.35 collected - 2018–Feb. 2025 (current 10-year): $254,796,025.34 collected to date Hooton said voters recently approved another 10-year referendum that will begin in February 2028 and run through 2037. Board members thanked the committee for oversight of funds used for classroom additions, playgrounds and facility renovations. District staff clarified eligible uses: half-cent proceeds pay for capital improvements to facilities that house students, including technology tied to facilities, but not non-school facilities such as the Hall Center or McDaniel Center unless students are housed there. No board action was required; Hooton and committee members will continue scheduled briefings to the board.