Voters decide on 3-mill tax increase for Birmingham schools Tuesday
By Wade KwonClass at Green Acres Middle in Ensley, one of seven
Birmingham schools on the state’s failing schools list.
Birmingham schools have seen their share of challenges in recent years. Declining enrollment. Rancor over the use of pepper spray on disruptive students. Seven schools on the state’s 2015 list of failing schools.
Could more pre-kindergarten and arts classes help students?
Tuesday, city voters decide on a 3-mill property tax increase to fund such measures. Approval would expand pre-KÂ classes to all elementary schools, add fine arts programs in all Birmingham schools and music and band electives for elementary and middle schools.
Sample ballot
The 30-year increase would bring in an additional $7.8 million annually. A home owner with a house valued at $100,000 would see a tax increase of $30 per year, starting in 2016. Homeowners 65 and older would be exempt.
Voters can find their polling place online or by calling the city clerk’s office at (205) 254-2290.
Also:
Video: Report on school tax referendum
Update
For Tuesday's property tax referendum in Birmingham, voter turnout was 5.8%. #alpolitics #bham pic.twitter.com/BJmJGbSa3g
— Wade Kwon (@WadeOnTweets) February 12, 2015
Monday, February 9, 2015, 3:17 pm
thanks for the info! i’ll be voting tomorrow for sure.
Monday, February 9, 2015, 9:05 pm
Vote Quimby!