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The division has 26 mobile units serving as classrooms at John L. Hurt, Jr. Elementary, Mt. Airy Elementary, Union Hall Elementary, Stony Mill Elementary, Kentuck Elementary and Southside Elementary.
The division has 26 mobile units serving as classrooms at John L. Hurt, Jr. Elementary, Mt. Airy Elementary, Union Hall Elementary, Stony Mill Elementary, Kentuck Elementary and Southside Elementary.
Pittsylvanians for a Brighter Future are gearing up its campaign to pass a one-cent sales tax increase designed to benefit the county's public schools.
This campaign effort also represents the last chance the group has to get this passed, said Chairperson Martha Walker.
"We were told very clearly this was our last chance. We have to do this or we've missed an opportunity to generate revenue for our children," said Walker of the limits placed on the initiative by the General Assembly.
The legislation gave several localities, including Pittsylvania County and Danville, two attempts to pass a sales tax increase to pay for school infrastructure improvements.
Pittsylvania's one-cent sales tax referendum failed in last November's election by 14 votes. Danville passed its sales tax increase, as did Henry, Patrick and Halifax counties, which were included in the legislation, also passed sale tax increases.
If this referendum does not pass this November, it would require new legislation to get through the 2023 General Assembly to allow Pittsylvania County to make another attempt, said Del. Danny Marshall, R-14.
"That's an uphill battle," he said.
Meanwhile, several bills were killed during this year's session that would have allowed Virginia localities to increase the local sales tax to pay for school infrastructure improvements.
Marshall said the reason those bills failed may be due to Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who took office in January, not having an opportunity to weigh in on whether or not that is a good idea state-wide.
Perhaps next year the governor will offer an opinion on that option, said Marshall.
In Pittsylvania County, an additional one cent on the sales tax is expected to generate more than $3 million a year and would be used to fund improvements such as HVAC and systems replacements at several schools, eliminating mobile classrooms, enhancing security and expanding the offerings at the Pittsylvania Career and Technical Center.
Walker gave an example of how Kentuck Elementary School is still using window air-conditioning units. Some of the schools targeted for renovation are 60 or more years old, such as Brosville Elementary (84), Chatham Elementary (70), John L. Hurt Jr. Elementary (74) and Southside Elementary (60).
The total cost of proposed priority improvements is about $50 million.
The current combined state and local sales tax is now 5.3% and the increase would put it at 6.3%. The added 1% would add another $1 to a $100 purchase. If passed, the tax increase would last 20 years.
If passed in November, it would take effect in July 2023.
Increasing the sales tax is seen as a way to relieve the burden on the real estate tax rate to fund school improvements, and instead spread the cost to anyone who purchases items in the county — whether they are a resident or a visitor passing through.
Marshall pointed to the new casino coming to Danville and how that will spur increased visitation to the city as well as Pittsylvania County. People will be spending money in the county, he said, adding that generating the funding for schools through a sales tax is "not on the backs of property owners."
For the county to raise $3.8 million a year, it would be the equivalent of 9.5-cents on the current property tax rate, according to county spokesman Caleb Ayers.
Walker said that the condition of the county's schools may also influence a businesses decision on whether or not to locate in the county.
Outdated, unattractive schools are a turnoff as it gives the impression that the county doesn't want to take care of its students or its schools, she said.
To get the campaign ball rolling, Pittsylvanians for a Brighter Future passed out a flyer at the April 19 Pittsylvania Board of Supervisors meeting, which outlined in detail what area the sales tax increase would address. It also plans to use radio and print media, as well as direct mail, to get the message out. It is also creating a website and Facebook page that is expected to go live in mid-May.
The best method, however, is speaking directly to groups, said Walker.
Walker said Pittsylvanians for a Brighter Future had gone to three to four groups a week in April and so far it has received a good reception.
There are holdouts, however, she said.
Those who are opposed say they really don't want another tax and that's understandable, said Walker, who reiterated that this tax would apply to residents and visitors alike.
To pay for the campaign, the group is reusing materials from the last election — and changing the dates — as well as soliciting donations from businesses and individuals.
"Campaigns are expensive," said Walker.
In the end, Walker is confident the sales tax increase will pass this time.
"We have to be extremely confident. We are confident that voters love our children and want to give them the best and they will vote yes," she said.
Some of the improvements to be made with the sales tax revenue include:
•Construct two classrooms and renovations at the 84-year-old Broswell Elementary School.
•Construct four classrooms, renovate the entrance and upgrade mechanical and electrical systems at John L. Hurt Jr. Elementary School.
•Construct restrooms and hook onto town sewage system at Chatham Elementary School.
•Construct 12 classrooms and restrooms at Kentuck Elementary School.
•Construct five classrooms, upgrade mechanical systems and central air at Mount Airy Elementary School
•Expand program offerings at the Pittsylvania Career and Technical Center
The question on the Nov. 8 ballot will state: Should Pittsylvania County be authorized to levy a general retail sales tax at a rate not to exceed one percent (1%), provided the revenue from the sales tax shall be used solely for capital projects for the construction or renovation of schools in Pittsylvania County and that the sales tax shall expire by February 15, 2042?
Event for those wanting to volunteer
Pittsylvanians for a Brighter Future is hosting a session on Tuesday, May 17, 5:30 p.m. at the Pittsylvania Career and Technical Center for those who would like to assist with the campaign. The group also plans to ask attendees to answer this question: What difference would this make to the schools your child attends and the community? The answers will be made into short videos and posted on its Facebook page. For more information, email voteyes4pcs@gmail.com or visit www.voteyes4pcs.com or www.facebook.com/voteyes4pcs.
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