Palm Beach voters appeared to favor a half-cent sales tax to support schools.
The tax would replace a one-cent tax that was agreed to eight years ago.
The measure had the support of about 60% of voters at about 9:15 p.m. Tuesday, with all early voting in and 759 of 798 Election Day precincts in.
The new tax would lower the total sales tax from 7% to 6 1/2%. If it fails, the tax would go down to 6%.
Palm Beach County school officials were optimistic prior to the vote.
“The 1/2 Penny for Schools provides the resources needed to enhance safety and security, modernize schools, and provide students and teachers with the latest classroom technology and equipment,” Superintendent Michael Burke said.
“Every school in Palm Beach County benefits from the half penny, and all half penny funds stay right here in our community,” he said. “With strict oversight from local citizens and experts, taxpayers can trust the funding provided by the half penny is used to benefit our children, teachers, and schools as promised.”
District officials say the tax would be used to help purchase, maintain, and repair and refurbish facilities and equipment.
“With over 30 million square feet of facilities, the District needs to maintain and replace aging roofs, renovate restrooms, and upgrade lighting and HVAC systems throughout local schools,” the district said on its website. “Additionally, funds from this half-penny measure would enhance school security, purchase buses, and update technology for students and teachers.”
Schools would also receive School Enhancement Funds for projects decided by their School Advisory Council.
In 2016, voters approved a one-cent sales tax, with half the money going to the district and half going to the county and cities. But that tax will expire in 2025, and the County Commission and League of Cities decided not to ask voters to renew it.
The Palm Beach County School Board decided it still had continued needs for that revenue and agreed to place a half-cent tax on the ballot.
If passed, the measure would benefit both district-operated and charter schools.