Angela Usher, head of operations for the school district, provided a detailed presentation on the impact of the sales tax, which voters approved in November 2024. This tax is projected to bring in annual revenues ranging from $35 million to $40 million. Historically, a similar measure passed in 2004 raised $111 million, funding projects such as Horizon Academy and Legacy Elementary. Usher outlined 12 projects identified for funding, with an emphasis on safety enhancements at East Marion Elementary and Oyola Middle School. At East Marion, the goal is to install walls and doors in response to the school’s open layout, which poses safety risks. A preliminary meeting with an architect has already taken place to discuss timelines. However, the eight-week construction window may require adjustments, with a phased approach being considered. A budget of $2 million has been allocated for these improvements, which may also involve necessary upgrades to the HVAC system.

The presentation also plans for Belleview Elementary School, which involves consolidating it with Belleview Santos. The old Lake Middle School will serve as a temporary site during construction, set to start in August 2027, with completion expected in 2028. The $65 million budget for this project is under negotiation with the design team. A custody report must be filed with the Department of Education before demolition, a process potentially delayed by staffing shortages.

The board underscored the importance of sales tax oversight, emphasizing accurate reporting on fund allocation. Current designations include $4 million for Ross Prairie Elementary and $4.9 million for Winding Oaks, with other allocations for East Marion and Belleview. While the budget for the new Belleview Elementary is currently $2 million, the projected cost is $65 million, with optimism that the annual revenue stream will cover expenses by construction time.

A comprehensive review of all projects and funding sources, including capital outlay and debt service, was requested in a prior work session. The objective is to prioritize projects based on school and equipment conditions, with the sales tax committee and school board set to receive recommendations. Upcoming committee meetings on September 24 and December 3 will provide project status updates.

The meeting touched on numerous ongoing projects, including routine maintenance like lighting and HVAC replacements, previously funded via millage. Two new elementary schools, Ross Prairie and Winding Oaks, aim to open this year, with a new high school slated for 2026 and a middle school in 2027. Belleview Elementary’s reopening is scheduled for 2028.

The effectiveness of the owner direct purchase method in achieving tax savings was questioned, with a request for detailed savings data, especially for larger projects like the new high school. Superintendent Diane Gullett was directed to collaborate with staff to assess school conditions and bring back recommendations. A committee has been tasked with analyzing relevant data, with an initial meeting planned for July 28.

Discussion also covered conditions and potential upgrades at specific schools, notably the outdated HVAC system at Oyola Middle School. While funding is secured for next year’s system replacement, uncertainty remains about absorbing rebalancing costs within the current design budget. The prioritization of projects based on facility conditions was debated, considering that sales tax funds are restricted to capital projects with a minimum five-year lifespan.