The School Board has determined it is in the best interests of the students of Orange County to submit to the voters the question of approving the continuation of a one-mill ad valorem millage increase for four additional years. The School Board resolution directs Orange County Commissioners to put this on the ballot for a vote on August 23rd. According to the resolution, the renewal of the additional ad valorem millage for operating purposes will generate approximately $818 million through the four year period.
In the resolution, signed by Chair Teresa Jacobs and Superintendent Barbara Jenkins, the School Board admits teachers are not being paid adequately, saying it “has not received adequate funding to compensate experienced teachers and support staff.” They also stated the Orange County School District has experienced an increase of 37,745 students since the recession began in 2007-2008 and that the school district needs sufficient revenues to maintain and improve its high-quality schools.
The School Board says the funds would be for essential operating expenses in order to compensate teachers and support staff, preserve academic programs, and protect athletic and student activities necessary to maintain high-quality educational opportunities for all students. The funds are shared proportionately with charter schools based on student enrollment as required by law.
By a split vote of four to three, Orange County Commissioners and Mayor Jerry Demings placed a Transportation Sales Tax Referendum on the November ballot. The original one-mill ad valorem millage referendum was approved by Orange County voters in 2010 and was reapproved by the electors of Orange County in 2014 and 2018.
Here’s the approved School Board resolution with ballot language:
One-Mill Resolution Ballot Language 2022
