From Clay County School Board Web Site: http://www.clay.k12.fl.us/Root/sales_tax_referendum.htm

Our Children ?…Our Future!

As many of you know, we are faced with a serious revenue shortfall in the School District of Clay County. The fact is?… unless we find alternative funding sources, the quality of services in the school system will be tremendously affected. Over the next 20 years, the school district is facing an enormous gap between its needs and projected revenue. It is for this reason that we are proposing a half-cent sales tax increase to generate additional revenue for our schools.

Why the sales tax? A sales tax would spread the burden more equally, rather than targeting property owners again through ad valorem taxes. An added benefit is that non-Clay County residents bring in a lot of sales tax revenue to Clay County.

The sales tax proposal must be put to the voters by referendum through the Board of County Commissioners.. The BCC and the School Board have agreed to the sales tax referendum on the ballot in March, 2003. The success of this special referendum will be crucial to the school system.

The county as a whole takes great pride in its schools and, in fact, most families move to Clay County because of its great schools. With all of us working together, we can keep it that way!

David L. Owens, Superintendent
Clay County Schools

The Plain Facts
* The School District of Clay County is projected to grow 17,976 additional students through 2025.
* Of the 17,976?… 9,887 will be elementary students requiring 20 new elementary schools; 3,056 will be junior high students requiring 4 new junior high schools; and 5,083 will be high school students requiring 6 new high schools.
* New school costs are $300.2 million.
* Our existing facilities are aging and must be maintained.
* The total capital outlay needs for the school district through 2025 are $729.8 million.
* Due to a lack of funding, the School District currently has the highest capital outlay debt than any other time in its history.


Why a Half Penny Sales Tax?
* The half-penny sales tax can be used to build, fix, and replace schools.
* The dollars can also be used to buy computers and software.
* The tax is paid by all Clay County residents (not just homeowners) and by tourists and other visitors to Clay County.
* The sales tax cannot be used for operating expenses.



By School District of Clay County

Our Children ?…Our Future! Part 2

Will I Have To Pay Sales Tax on Grocery Items, Rent, Etc.?
* All grocery items are exempt from the sales tax.

* Health items are not taxed. This includes doctor visits, medicines, and items such as eyeglasses, hearing aides, and crutches.

* Home mortgages and rent are exempt from the sales tax.

* Normal household utility bills are not subject to the tax.


What Is In It For Me and My Community?
Adequate Schools For Our Children: Everyone will benefit from the half-penny sales tax because we will continue adding classrooms and other needed facilities to our schools in addition to building new schools.
Economic Stability for Clay County:

* Quality schools attract new employers to the area.
* Quality schools contribute to the success of employers who are already here.
* Quality schools help create job opportunities for our children right here at home.
* Quality schools train our children in emerging technologies.

Improve the Quality of Life in Clay County:

* Quality schools enhance test scores and higher graduation rates.
* Quality schools enhance neighborhoods and increase home values.
* Quality schools produce tomorrow?’s leaders.


What About Technology?
* Technology is fundamental and absolute. The School District?’s ability to meet the requirements of preparing students for the competitive and challenging world they will enter is, in part, dependent upon our ability to keep up with the technological advances and demands of our society.


When Will The New Tax Go Into Effect?
* The new half-penny sales tax would go into effect January 1, 2004.
* Remember, everyone pays this tax including non-Clay County residents.


Consequences Without This Half-Penny Sales Tax?
* Larger class sizes
* Reduction/elimination of programs
* Accelerated deterioration of buildings
* Difficulty recruiting/retaining educational professionals
* Stagnation of teacher salaries


Frequently Asked Questions!
WHY DOESN?’T THE STATE PAY FOR NEW SCHOOLS?
There are not enough funds allocated from the state to build the number of new schools needed in Clay County to keep up with the growth.

ISN?’T THE LOTTERY SUPPOSED TO PROVIDE SCHOOLS DISTRICTS WITH EXTRA MONEY?
Voters approved the lottery based on the promise that its revenues would supplement existing education funding. In reality, the lottery provides only a small percentage of the money needed to operate the district.

WE?’VE BEEN BUILDING NEW SCHOOLS. WILL WE EVER GET CAUGHT UP?
Not for awhile. Hundreds of more homes are being built in Clay County every day. It is predicted we will need at least 30 new schools in the next 20 years.

I DON?’T HAVE CHILDREN IN SCHOOL. WHY SHOULD I PAY FOR SCHOOLS?
Our property values are at risk, when the education system is at risk. Also, remember, the children who sit in class today are the very people who will some day handle your medications, bank deposits and car repairs. The quality of their education will directly affect your quality of life in the future.

On March 4, 2003 Vote for

Our Children ?…Our Future!


By School District of Clay County

Penny Wise, or Pound Foolish?

On Tuesday, March 4th, Clay County voters have a huge decision to make - whether to embrace or reject a half-cent additional sales tax.

The consequences are monumental for three groups of residents:
1) Our students-as class sizes will grow, and the overall quality of education will decline if this measure fails!
2) Over 3,000 jobs will be lost, and all those workers will join the morning and evening traffic jams into Jacksonville. Just what we need!
3) Property Owners will suffer! The value of ALL real estate is determined by what a buyer is willing to pay (we all know that!)

But what we sometimes overlook, is what brought us to Clay County (the excellent schools!) is what will bring future homeowners here-those same schools.

BUT, if the schools deteriorate, guess what? People will be less interested in moving here, and DOWN go YOUR property values. That's the point a lot of people tend to overlook!

So, even if you don't care about the quality of education (it was good enough for me!), and you don't care about all those people having to find other jobs (I found mine!), just be aware that you have the opportunity to set the future value of your biggest investment-your home! If you don't believe me, ask any realtor! Demand drives value, and our demand is determined by the quality of our schools! So, decide wisely! A few pennies now, or a big disappointment later?

Patrick D. McGovern
YOUR Clay County Commissioner


By Patrick D. McGovern - Clay Commi