Seminole County schools want penny sales tax to fund projects for next 10 years

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Channel 9 heard Friday how the Seminole County school board plans to put money from a proposed tax hike to work in the schools.

One of the things the district desperately needs is new roofs over students' heads. It's one of the items on the district's to-do list, which has been growing for Seminole County school officials.

A proposed sales tax hike could help the district get the money they desperately need. On Friday, school board members went over the preliminary list of 21 projects they'd like to fund with their share of the money if voters support it.

Some of the schools on the list have buildings that are 50, almost 60 years old, and officials want to replace at least five buildings at Lake Mary Elementary School.

Casselberry Elementary and Pine Crest School of Innovation also need so much work that the plan calls for replacing most of the existing buildings.

District-wide, air-conditioning systems have also been neglected, and at least 10 roofs would need almost immediate attention.

If voters agree to the penny increase, county commissioners said that would generate about $63 million each year for the next 10 years.

The school board would get a quarter of that, which could fund the list of than $150 million worth of projects during the next decade.

WFTV