INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The Indian River County School Board is asking voters in August to approve a 0.60-mill referendum that would be, as board members and district staff call it, a “continuation” of two taxes voters already approved but are set to expire.
If approved, the 0.60-mill referendum would generate $32.7 million over four years, starting in 2013.
Those funds would be used to spare 31 classroom positions, purchase Social Studies textbooks and other classroom instructional materials, and provide digital content as mandated – but not funded – by the state. The funds would also be used to upgrade the School District’s technology infrastructure and systems.
Currently, property owners are paying 60 cents per $1,000 of assessed taxable value on their homes between the .25-mill voters approved in 2010 to fund critical needs and a .35-mill bond referendum approved in 1990.
Both the .35-mill and .25-mill assessments are set to expire June 30, 2013. If approved, the replacement .60-mill would begin July 1, 2013 and run for four years – through June 30, 2017.
Based on the average home’s value in Indian River County, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Carter Morrison told the School Board during a discussion earlier in the day that the .60-mills would be the equivalent of paying approximately $1.48 each week.
The following is what voters will see on the ballot for the Aug. 14 Primary:
The School District of Indian River County, Florida Essential Operating Needs Referendum Election
Shall the School District 0.60 ad valorem millage be continued for essential operating needs such as teachers, instructional materials, and technology in order to provide all students with high quality educational opportunities beginning July 1, 2013, and ending four (4) fiscal years later on June 30, 2017, with annual reporting to the citizenry?
______ YES FOR APPROVAL
______ NO FOR REJECTION
