Indian River schools asking voters to continue property tax for teachers, school safety
Voters are being asked in November to continue paying a 1/2-mil property tax for district technology, recruiting high-quality teachers and expanding school safety, security and student wellness.
The School Board has unanimously agreed to put the four-year tax on the Nov. 5 ballot, pending County Commission approval.
Proceeds from the tax, which has been in place since 2008, have helped the district recruit and keep high-quality teachers, Superintendent David Moore said. The district has used the money for teacher salaries, and brought the district up to the sixth-highest in the state when it comes to average teacher pay, he said.
"As a School Board, you are very diligent in making sure you are efficient with the funds we have available," Moore said. "We've delivered in a high and powerful way."
Voters must approve the tax every four years. Last approved in 2020, it's expected to generate between $9 million to $11 million in revenue. The current tax is scheduled to end June 30, 2025. If voters approve, the new tax would be effective July 1, 2025.