• Strong schools, strong communities. Half penny on the ballot to support our local schools.

  • In November 2024, voters can continue supporting local schools by voting to approve a half-penny sales tax. This would take effect in 2026 after the current full penny sales tax expires in 2025.

    If approved by voters, these funds will help purchase, maintain, and repair/refurbish facilities and equipment to create a positive learning environment for Palm Beach County students. 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. Additionally, funds from this half-penny measure would enhance school security, purchase buses, and update technology for students and teachers. Schools will also receive School Enhancement Funds for projects decided by their School Advisory Council.

    All District-operated and charter schools in Palm Beach County will benefit from this measure.

    The School District has a strong history of “Promises Made, Promises Kept.” The Independent Sales Surtax Oversight Committee ensures all funds spent align with the ballot language approved by the voters.

  • What Palm Beach County Voters Will See on Their Ballots

    To support educational opportunities for students by upgrading and enhancing safety and security of schools; classroom technology and equipment, school buildings and facilities, and school buses, for Palm Beach County traditional public and charter public schools; shall the School Board levy a one-half cent sales surtax beginning January 1, 2026 and, by law, automatically ending December 31, 2035, with oversight of all funds by an independent committee of citizens and experts?

          _____ FOR THE ONE-HALF CENT TAX
          _____ AGAINST THE ONE-HALF CENT TAX

Financial Impact

  • If approved by voters, this “Strong Schools, Strong Communities” measure is anticipated to generate $200 million annually ($2 billion over 10 years for District-operated schools and charter schools) to support school security, technology, facilities, and infrastructure.

Projects

  • The SCHOOL CAPITAL OUTLAY SURTAX can only be spent on capital projects, not operational needs. The surtax cannot be spent on teacher salaries.
    District initiatives total approximately $1.8 billion (excluding charter schools) and include: improvements to buildings, facilities, equipment, classroom technology, and school buses.

    All District schools will benefit from repairs, equipment, and/or technology upgrades.

    Each District-operated school will receive School Enhancement Funds as part of the projects to be funded by the 2024 referendum revenues.

Learn More about the Half-Penny for Schools



1/2 Penny for Schools Flyer

  • Half Penny Flyer - Click to open PDF
    Click on the image to open PDF

1/2 Penny for Schools Overview

  • 1/2 Penny Plan Overview
    Click on the image to open PDF

  • ENDORSED BY

     

    Black Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County     Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches          Economic Council of Palm Beach County, Inc.

      League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County       The Palm Beach Post

    Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce     South Florida Sun Sentinel logo        Palm Beach County Council PTA