School board directs staff to draft 1‑mill proposal and advances half‑cent renewal to ballot

The Leon County School Board on April 28 authorized the superintendent to draft referendum language for a proposed 1.0 mill ad valorem increase and unanimously approved placement of a half‑cent sales surtax renewal on the ballot. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Chancey told the board a 1‑mill levy would generate an estimated $26,000,000 per year in gross revenue if approved by voters, before the charter proportionate share.

Why it matters: Board members framed the proposals as tools to increase local flexibility to fund teacher salary supplements, safety and security, and arts and workforce programs as state funding and enrollment trends tighten district budgets. Several members emphasized transparency in messaging, and the superintendent described a timeline to prepare draft language and stakeholder outreach ahead of filing deadlines with the supervisor of elections.

At the April meeting, Dr. Chancey presented comparative materials from other Florida districts that use millage or sales surtax referenda to support local school operations. She explained a mill is $1 per $1,000 of taxable value and said districts commonly run referenda on four‑year cycles, often paired with citizen oversight committees to ensure voter intent is followed. "So with a 1 mill, ... estimated revenue, dollars 26,000,000 per year will be generated through this 1 mill if voters approve it," Dr. Chancey said during her overview.

Board debate focused on statutory limits, distribution to charter schools, and political messaging. Board member Wood urged the board to emphasize teacher pay and safety first, saying the community has historically supported investments in schools. Board member Smith raised concerns about internal efficiencies, arguing the district should demonstrate tightened operations before asking taxpayers for more. Chair Nicholas and others said that putting the question to voters preserves local choice.

Outcome and next steps: Board member Jones moved that the board "empower the superintendent to bring back a resolution authorizing a referendum on an increased millage rate of 1 point." The motion carried and the superintendent said staff would draft ballot language, coordinate with unions and constituent groups, and return a draft at a May workshop with final action planned before filing deadlines.

The board also completed a separate public hearing and unanimously approved a resolution to renew the half‑cent (0.5%) sales surtax to finance educational improvements and facilities; no public speakers registered on that item. The superintendent and staff will proceed to prepare formal referendum language, outreach materials and a timeline for filings with the supervisor of elections.