VIERA, Fla. – Brevard County Schools Referendum
Voters have passed the half-cent sales tax for Brevard County schools, according to Local 6.
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With 91 percent of the precincts reporting, 58 percent of the votes were to approve the Brevard County Schools Referendum.
"We are immensely appreciative of the trust and support that our community has demonstrated through this historic vote," Superintendent Brian Binggeli said in a statement. "We are committed to using this revenue efficiently and transparently to protect the community's investment in our facilities while we continue to provide quality educational opportunities for the children we serve."
Voters approved the six year authorization of a half-cent sales surtax for capital improvements in Brevard Public Schools. The school system says the half-cent sales tax would raise $32 million a year over a six-year period.
In 2012, a similar referendum was proposed and it didn't pass. The result forced officials to close four schools.
The school district is still dealing with budget woes and proposing the half-cent sales tax once again, hoping to have a different outcome.
Two weeks ago, school district leaders released the names of a dozen elementary schools in the county that could be on the chopping block if the tax fails.
All 12 schools come from the north and south beaches and the Merritt Island areas.
In the south area is Gemini, Holland, Indiatlantic, Ocean Breeze, Sea Park and Surfside. In the north and Merritt Island areas: Audobon, Cape View, Carroll, Mila, Roosevelt and Tropical.
Brevard County Schools Referendum