ORLANDO, Fla. \u2013 Orange County voters will decide in November whether to renew a property tax that provides funding for Orange County Public Schools.<\/p>\n
Voters have approved the one-mill tax each time it has appeared on the ballot since 2010. The levy generates an estimated $255 million annually, according to the school district, and funds about 2,000 teaching positions.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is really critical to our operations,\u201d said Scott Howat, chief communications officer for OCPS.<\/p>\n
The tax also helps pay for athletics, arts programs and other school operations. One mill equals $1 for every $1,000 of taxable property value.<\/p>\n
For a home appraised at $355,000, the tax would cost about $28 per month, according to the district. Howat said the referendum would continue the existing tax rather than increase it.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is not costing the taxpayers any more money,\u201d Howat said. \u201cIt\u2019s a continuation of what we currently have.\u201d<\/p>\n
The district says a failed referendum could result in significant cuts, including the loss of positions that support students.<\/p>\n
\u201cEnsuring that we can continue to have those positions that support our students is vitally important,\u201d Howat said.<\/p>\n
Some residents said they support renewing the tax, including one woman whose children have graduated from Orange County schools. She said school programs remain important to current students.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe loved instruments. He played three instruments,\u201d she said of her son. \u201cHe loved band, so, yeah, we need that tax for the schools.\u201d<\/p>\n
The referendum is the last item on the November ballot. OCPS officials are meeting with cities throughout the county to discuss the tax.<\/p>\n
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