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School board finalizes ballot process, debates wording for half‑cent sales surtax
Summary
The Leon County School Board reviewed a revised resolution and ballot language for a proposed half‑cent sales surtax, agreed to post materials publicly, and scheduled a final board vote for April 28 after a workshop on April 27; attorneys cautioned members to inform but not advocate.
The Leon County School Board reviewed a revised resolution and draft ballot question for a proposed half‑cent sales surtax and set a tight public timeline ahead of an April 28 vote.
Superintendent (speaker 7) told the board members they had a revised resolution and a draft 2028 project needs list to accompany the ballot language, and that materials from a previous workshop would be posted online for public review. Board counsel repeatedly warned members against advocating for or against the measure but confirmed they may "inform the public" and that staff may post the draft resolution and project list to the district website ahead of consideration.
Members debated the ballot wording at length, focusing on whether the ballot statement should be a single question and how to make benefits clear to voters. One board member asked whether the language was grammatically a question; counsel said traditional ballot drafting favors a single question but acknowledged stylistic variations. The superintendent urged colleagues to offer any requested revisions before the April 28 vote.
The board directed that public materials be posted and that staff bring the item back for a formal vote on April 28, with a workshop on April 27 for additional review. The superintendent said the process would next proceed to the county commission and the supervisor of elections if the board approves the resolution.
The discussion made clear two constraints: (1) board members may share factual information and the existence of posted materials but should avoid advocacy, and (2) the board wants to finalize precise ballot wording before formal adoption to avoid confusion to voters.
The next procedural steps are an April 27 workshop to review language and an April 28 board meeting for the consideration vote on the resolution and attached project list.
