The Wakulla county school District is seeking additional funding through a property tax referendum that will appear on the November 3 general election ballot. The Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved placing the measure before voters, who will decide whether to levy an additional 1-mill property tax for the next four years, beginning July 1, 2027.

The proposed tax aims to generate millions of dollars in operational funding for the district, which has seen significant academic achievements in recent years. With all schools earning an A grade and the district boasting the state’s highest graduation rate, local officials are hopeful that voters will support the measure to continue this momentum.

Purpose of the proposed tax

The additional funding would be allocated to several key areas, including:

  • Teacher and bus driver salaries Raising compensation to attract and retain quality educators and staff
  • Health insurance costs Reducing the financial burden on employees
  • Arts, music, and athletics Expanding funding for extracurricular programs
  • Free meal program Continuing the district’s universal free breakfast and lunch program for all students, regardless of income

Superintendent Damon Myers emphasized the importance of the free meal program, stating, “I do believe that students who are able to eat are able to learn.” Without additional revenue, families could once again face meal costs, with an estimated annual expense of roughly $720 per student.

Community support and accountability

Local residents have expressed support for the measure but stress the importance of accountability in how the funds are spent. Julie Smith, a Wakulla county resident, said, “I’m for it as long as there’s you know that stipulation or there’s guidance to make sure that that money is indeed going back to our arts programs and our students’ free meals.” Smith and others have called for regular updates from the district to ensure transparency.

County Commissioner Ralph Thomas clarified the commission’s role in the process, stating, “It’s not our job to determine if they need the tax, whether it should be approved or not. Our job is simply to allow it to be placed on the ballot, and the citizens in November will decide whether or not they approve this request.” The commission’s vote was procedural, allowing voters—not commissioners—to make the final decision on the proposed tax.

Other actions from the county commission meeting

In addition to the school funding referendum, the Board of County Commissioners addressed several other matters during their meeting, including:

  • Solid waste collection fees Held fees at $214 per household, rejecting a proposed increase to $222
  • Fire assessment rates Approved preliminary residential rates of $277 per dwelling, with final rates to be considered during September budget hearings
  • Lake Ellen septic-to-sewer conversion project Approved a $13 million state loan with 100% interest forgiveness to advance the project, along with engineering services

The school district’s 1-mill referendum will appear before Wakulla County voters during the November 3, 2026, General Election. With the district’s impressive academic track record and the potential benefits of the proposed tax, residents will have the opportunity to shape the future of local education.