The Board of Supervisors is pleased that Pittsylvania County voters approved the 1% sales tax increase for school capital projects. Unofficial results show that the referendum passed with about 52% of voters approving the 1% tax increase effective for 19 years.
“This tax by choice is a great victory that resulted from a well-run campaign by Martha Walker and Dr. Mark Jones,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Vic Ingram. “This additional revenue source will help renovate and repair our schools and improve physical security to protect our students and staff.”
This 1% sales tax will generate an estimated $3+ million in new annual revenue, allowing Pittsylvania County Schools to fund more than $50 million in critical projects across the elementary schools and the Career and Technical Center. These projects include removing mobile units and adding new classrooms, replacing outdated building infrastructures like roofs and heating/cooling systems, developing more secure access control, improving traffic flow and safety, and constructing innovative learning environments. In short, these projects center around enhancing the safety of our schools and developing more innovative learning environments.
Dr. Mark Jones, Division Superintendent, is grateful to the residents of the County for supporting the referendum. He also expressed appreciation to the Pittsylvanians for a Brighter Future, the School Board, School Division staff, the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors, the Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce, and business and industry leaders for their leadership and endorsements.
“This 1% sales tax will ensure that Pittsylvania County Schools remains a great place to learn and work for our students and staff,” Jones said.
Mr. Calvin D. Doss, School Board Chairman, also expressed thanks and appreciation to those that worked tirelessly to ensure this referendum was passed.
“The students will reap the benefits and continue to receive a quality education from Pittsylvania County Schools,” Doss said.
These projects will benefit those attending Pittsylvania County Schools today as well as future generations of students. Pittsylvania County Schools has a proven track record of academic success, but many of its facilities – and particularly the elementary schools and Career and Technical Center – have become outdated. The passage of this 1% sales tax referendum will allow Pittsylvania County Schools to match the quality of its facilities with the success of its students.
This tax will apply to purchases made in the County aside from groceries, medicines, and agricultural products. This tax does not just apply to County residents; anyone who spends money while visiting, passing through, or doing business in Pittsylvania County will now be contributing to the success of the schools. The Board of Supervisors believes that allowing everyone who spends money in Pittsylvania County, including those who do not live in the County, to contribute to the schools is a smart business decision that ultimately reduces the tax burden placed on County residents.