Hello Gulf County Voter:
A critical issue is on the November 5th General Election Ballot that begs your attention and support.
This Millage Referendum for Gulf County School District is not a new tax. In fact, it is simply the continuation of funding that has already been in place for 16 years. Voting for the referendum will not increase your tax bill! However, it does give the local school board the flexibility to spend our limited precious financial resources on personnel, rather than facilities alone.
In Florida, funding for public schools is based on a complex formula, called the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP). Voting to continue the 1 mill referendum provides our schools with essential funding for staff and resources necessary to provide students with a quality education. Discontinuation of the 1 mill would be felt immediately and will force the district to lay off 30-40 employees. The number of students per classroom would increase, elective programs would be cut, and classroom resources would be limited.
In exchange for this vote, the School Board has historically levied only a small portion of the Capital Outlay funds (1.5 mills) due to the legal limitations on what Capital Outlay funding can be used for. Four years ago, this measure passed with 80% support. We pray for the voters’ wisdom once again for passage of this local referendum.
Please weigh these options carefully. A vote to continue the 1 mill as it is, is a vote in support of our local schools, and the impact they have within our communities.
Thank you.
| Jim Norton Superintendent | Ruby Knox Board Chairman | Brooke Wooten Vice Chairman |
| Cindy Belin Board Member | Marvin Davis Board Member | Denny McGlon Board Member |
Ballot Language:
Continues Funding for Teachers, Workforce Training, Student Achievement through Renewal of Ad Valorem Millage Referendum
Shall the Gulf County School District continue the 1 mill per year ad valorem millage to retain and recruit quality teachers; provide workforce training; improve school safety and security; preserve the arts; upgrade technology and classroom resources; fund other education programs and school operational needs; beginning July 1, 2025, and ending, June 30, 2029?
Thank your for your support!
