• A: In May 2008, the Florida Legislature reduced the tax on property values that provides capital revenues for school districts to address facility and equipment needs. The property tax rate went from $2 per $1,000 of taxable value to $1.75. In 2009, the Legislature further reduced the tax rate by another 25 cents, to $1.50 per $1,000 of taxable value.
The loss of revenue forced Broward County Public Schools to cut $1.8 billion in capital projects for renovations, new construction and the purchase of equipment for schools and District facilities. Our District has joined other Florida school districts to ask state lawmakers to restore the capital millage. To date, those efforts have been unsuccessful. In response to the Legislature’s actions, the District developed the SMART Program and initiated the Bond referendum to pay for it.
Forty percent of the District’s school buildings are over 25 years old, and the average age is 27 years old. Just as in homes, roofs, air conditioners, electrical systems, and plumbing have a limited life span and are in need of repair or replacement. The SMART Program addresses the following critical areas:
Improvements to support student health, safety and
Computer devices and technology infrastructure improvements to support student learning, digital-based media environments and 21st century classroom instruction.
Facility repair, renovation and replacement to ensure quality schools.