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Volusia school tax proposal fails

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — The recount is over and it's official -- no new school property tax for residents in Volusia County.

Teachers and staff members said they are bracing for the worst.

"It's obviously very disappointing. Teachers and people who work in our schools and care about our kids so much are very disappointed," said Andrew Spar with Volusia Teachers Organization.

"They're disappointed not only because of impending cuts, but because the election was so close. The one mill tax hike lost by only 909 votes.

"I think that's really bad because I got two little girls in school that need good education," said parent Lori Stiles.

If the school board doesn't find more money, district leaders said there will likely be reductions in teacher salaries, advanced placement programs for students, and elective courses.

Those electives include the arts. The teachers who teach those classes might lose their jobs as well.

"Our superintendent and board have said pretty much everything is on the table, we're going to look at everything. Teachers want to make sure they're a part of that conversation," said Spar.

Spar recommends fundraising, which he says may only bring in a little, but he said it's better than nothing.