Dear KIPP Jacksonville Team & Family,
As you know, the Duval County Public School District is asking voters to approve a half-penny referendum during the upcoming election. If passed, it will generate nearly $2 billion for schools over the next 15 years.
The half-penny will benefit KIPP Jacksonville schools in many ways:
- Opportunities to purchase existing facilities or build new facilities to accommodate increasing student enrollment;
- Campus construction, renovation projects, facility upgrades and repairs to enhance student learning; and
- Safety upgrades to address hurricane preparedness and public health concerns.
It is important to note that the half-penny funds will be used only for allowable costs under the law. Accessing those funds will allow KIPP to keep more operating dollars in the classroom going towards the extended day learning model at no cost to families.
Half-Penny Sales FAQs
Will students in public charter schools benefit from the half-penny?
YES! This past year the Florida Legislature revised the law to ensure that all public school students in Jacksonville will benefit.
Can schools use the funds for whatever they want?
No. The law requires that the funds be used for capital outlay purposes only.
Do other school districts get funding through half-penny referendums?
Yes. Many districts, including some bordering Duval, have invested in the future of their schools through a half-penny sales tax. School districts across the state such as Hillsborough, Leon, Brevard, Bay, Manatee, Flagler and many more have passed half-penny referendums to ensure that their students had safe and secure school buildings. In fact, 62 of Florida’s 67 school districts have passed something similar.
How You Can Help:
Register to Vote: If you are not yet registered to vote, there is still time to do so. You can register up to 29 days before the election. To learn more about how to register go to the Duval County Supervisor of Elections webpage.
Tell Your Family and Friends: Talk with your extended family and friends (who live in Jacksonville) about the importance of the half-penny and how it will benefit not only your school but all public schools in Jacksonville.
Please feel free to reach out if you have questions or would like to learn more about the half-penny referendum.
