New Ballot Initiative Could Raise Millions for Alachua Schools

Half Cent Campaign 

     Advocates for a proposed sales tax for schools are launching their campaign. The idea is to raise millions for school repairs and construction. All schools in Alachua County would benefit from the additional funding.

     At Santa Fe High School, they'd like to fix the air conditioner and a host of other problems. Santa Fe High School Principal Beth McClear says students would benefit greatly.

"Our air conditioners in our auditorium is never at capacity. Last night it was only a fourth and so when we do shows or any kind of activity, it is ungodly hot in there.

     Parents are also voicing their concerns. One mother, Kimberly Baxley, said she notices the overcrowding in schools is becoming a growing problem. She said she had to move her child from Newberry High School to Santa Fe because it was overpopulated, but she came to realize that the issue was county wide. 

"The kids are hot, they're sweating, they're irritated. Yea it'd be great to get more air conditioning for the kids, books, you know anything to help these kids out, education is key."

     Santa Fe is hoping for 29 new classrooms to allow more spaces for the students. 

"The overcrowding in some of these buildings is ridiculous because sometimes I think I'm going to be late to my classes," said Abbie Baxley a senior at SFHS.

"As a teacher I'm teaching 40 students sometimes, and there is not enough room. we cram them in literally, wall to wall desks," 

     SFHS Institute of Biotechnology teacher Christopher Oyama said, "Much of the equipment needs revamping we are looking to try to buy  new equipment, something so that students can actually validate these tests with a every rigorous procedure."

     The wish list is long for this school built in 1955, but the staff says they are hopeful for a positive turnout in the November ballot for the initiative. Proposed projects for the school include security improvements, 29 new classrooms, new kitchen, modernized media center and auditorium and an expanded dining area. 

     Tim White, Assistant Principal of Santa Fe High School said he has many concerns for his students. "They look around, and its like the walkways between classes are old and rusting and leaking so when the rains come you know I'm getting wet even though I'm under a covered walkway."

     Many other schools have facility needs too. The sales tax could bring in $22 million dollars over 12 years to get to work. This would help compensate for all the money schools have not received in the recent years. In the past decade, the county was cut $178 million dollars in funding, and that's just for facilities. 

     Alachua County Schools Communication Director Jackie Johnson said she hopes residents will go out and vote for the half cent initiative. 

"This really is the only option we have right now. there is no plan B if this doesn't pass." 

     The tax will be on the ballot in November, and would cost an estimated five dollars a month per household. 

     Gainesville Mayor Lauren Poe "It's the right thing to do our children deserve it so we're just asking everyone to reach in their pockets and bring out a little bit more change to make this significant change to our community.