The School District of Hernando County, Florida Superintendent: Lori M. Romano, Ph.D.

Communications & Public Relations/HITV Board Chairperson: Gus Guadagnino Karen Jordan, Public Information Officer Vice Chairperson: Matthew A. Foreman

919 North Broad Street Board Members: Brooksville, FL 34601 Susan Duval Phone: (352) 797-7000 Mark C. Johnson Fax: (352) 797-7010 Beth Narverud ________________________________________ _________________________________

The Hernando County School District is located on Central Floridas Gulf Coast and serves approximately 22,000 students at 24 schools, including 9

elementary schools, 4 K-8 schools, 4 middle schools, 5 high schools, 1 virtual school, and 1 alternative school. The school district is Hernando Countys largest employer with approximately 3,000 total employees, approximately 1,665 of whom are teachers. The Hernando County School District

collaborates with parents and other community stakeholders to effectively prepare all students for a successful transition into a diverse and changing world.

Among other guiding principles, the District firmly believes that diverse individuals, ideas, talents, and learning styles strengthen our communities.

Contact: Karen Jordan September 9, 2015

Phone: (352) 797-7009 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nightline: (352) 216-9296

HERNANDO COUNTY VOTERS RENEW HALF CENT SALES TAX FOR SCHOOLS

BROOKSVILLE Hernando County voters approved the return of a one-half cent sales tax Sept. 8th, 2015. The return of the sales tax means that starting in January 2016, the district will receive

approximately $8 million per year that will be used for repairs to school facilities, maintenance, and

capital improvements.

"I am extremely proud of this community. We recognized that our schools have significant needs, we

took responsibility for providing safe learning environments and, in the end, we all came together and

chose to do the right thing for our students," superintendent Lori Romano said.

In addition to thanking all who approved and who will ultimately pay for the projects, board members

and the superintendent appreciate the hard work of all the volunteers who supported the campaign to

inform stakeholders regarding the need for increased local support for school facility needs. Approval

of the one-half cent sales tax also demonstrates the ability of schools, community organizations and

business partners to effectively collaborate to accomplish common goals.

District staff will immediately begin to finalize plans for implementing the roof, flooring, and A/C

replacements now that they are certain funding will be available to complete approved projects. Board

members and the superintendent will also work to select representatives to serve on a citizens oversight committee in accordance with project oversight guidelines.

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