Two School Funding Measures on November Ballot

Leon County voters will decide two separate school funding questions on November 3, 2026: whether to renew the existing half-penny sales tax and whether to approve an additional one mill in property taxes. The proposals have different purposes, funding sources and effects on taxpayers. (1/2 Penny Sale Tax Renewal)

The half-penny sales tax proposal would continue the existing half-cent sales surtax for another 15 years. Approval would maintain that tax at its current rate. Revenue would fund school facilities, technology, transportation, and safety and security improvements. It cannot be used for employee salaries or daily operating expenses.

Examples of projects identified by the district include roof replacements, air-conditioning systems, campus renovations, school buses and technology upgrades. The ballot language also provides for sharing revenue with eligible charter schools and review by a School Board-appointed citizen advisory committee. (1/2 Penny Sale Tax Renewal)

Details about proposed projects, allowable spending and the ballot language are available on the district’s Half-Penny Sales Tax Renewal webpage.

The separate millage proposal would increase local property taxes by one mill. According to district projections, it would generate approximately $29.3 million in gross annual revenue. Of which, approximately 90% would go toward employee compensation, including salaries and benefits, and 10% will be directed to school safety and arts & athletic programs. The district estimates annual salary increases for teachers of up to $10,000 based on years of service and up to $6,500 for support staff based on years of service if the measure is approved.

One mill equals $1 for every $1,000 of taxable property value. A property with a taxable value of $200,000, for example, would have an additional annual tax of $200, equivalent to about $16.67 per month. The calculation uses taxable value, rather than a property’s sale price or market value. (Investing in Our Schools and Community)

Additional information about projected revenue, employee compensation and the property-tax calculation is available on the district’s Millage Referendum webpage.

Each proposal is a separate ballot question, allowing voters to approve or reject each independently. Residents can review the district’s information pages to learn more about both measures before making their decisions.