The Halifax County School Board has taken a major step towards the construction of a new high school in the area. With a six to one vote in favor of building a new campus instead of renovating the old one, the board now faces the challenge of funding the estimated $100 million project. In order to cover the cost, they are considering donations from businesses and individuals, potential tax increases, and even a bond referendum.
Chairman of the Halifax County Board of Supervisors, Did His Wit, has expressed his willingness to consider a tax increase, but ultimately believes that the decision should be left to the voters. He emphasizes that any tax increase would have to be “sizable,” although the exact amount is currently uncertain. The possibility of a referendum is also being discussed, as a way to gauge public opinion on a potential tax increase.
There is also legislation currently being considered in the General Assembly that would allow localities to increase their sales tax in order to fund school projects. This proposal could potentially provide an additional source of revenue for the Halifax County High School project. School Board Chairman Joe Gasperini plans to meet with lawmakers in Richmond to discuss this proposed legislation and its potential impact on their funding options.
In an effort to generate additional funds, the school district is planning a fundraising kickoff event at the end of the month. They have enlisted the help of a production company that specializes in developing fundraising plans for school districts. This company has had successful collaborations with other school districts, such as Winchester, where a foundation was established, resulting in the generation of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The overall goal for Halifax County is to break ground on the new high school next year. Chairman Did His Wit sees this as an exciting and promising time for the county, despite the financial challenges that lie ahead. With the support of the community, businesses, and potentially increased taxes, Halifax County is hopeful that they will be able to provide their students with a modern and well-equipped educational facility.
Key Points:
- Halifax County School Board approves the construction of a new high school.
- Funding options include donations, tax increases, and a potential bond referendum.
- Chairman Did His Wit is open to considering a tax increase, but believes the decision should be left to the voters.
- Proposed legislation may allow localities to increase sales tax for school projects.
- The school district plans a fundraising kickoff event to generate additional funds.
- A production company is assisting with the development of a fundraising plan for the school district.
- Successful fundraising efforts in Winchester have generated significant funds for their school district.
- The goal is to break ground on the new high school next year.
- Chairman Did His Wit believes this is a promising time for Halifax County.
In conclusion, the construction of a new high school in Halifax County is an exciting but financially challenging endeavor. The school board and the Board of Supervisors are exploring various funding options, including donations, tax increases, and a potential bond referendum. The decision to increase taxes will ultimately be left up to the voters, and the exact amount of the potential increase is still unknown. Proposed legislation that would allow an increase in sales tax for school projects is also being considered. To supplement their funding, the school district plans to hold a fundraising kickoff event with the help of a production company. The successful fundraising efforts of other school districts provide hope for the future of Halifax County’s new high school project. The ultimate goal is to break ground on the new school next year, providing the community with a modern and well-equipped educational facility.