School levies triumph in both counties

Voters in both Gulf and Franklin counties gave an overwhelming endorsement of the school tax measures that were on last week’s ballot.

In Gulf County, more than 80 percent of voters, or 6,865, gave a thumbs-up to renewing for another four years the one-mill levy for operational costs, just as they have consistently since 2008.

“Thank you for your unwavering support of the continued school tax,” wrote Superintendent Jim Norton in a message to voters. “(This) significant margin… speaks highly of our employee and community support.  Your dedication to ensuring the stability and growth of our schools is deeply appreciated. The funding provided through this tax is essential in maintaining quality education, enriching programs, and supporting our students and educators alike.

“Your commitment to our community’s future is inspiring and, serving as superintendent for the next four years, I am grateful for the important role you play in shaping the next generation of learners,” he wrote.

In Franklin County, the school board’s first attempt at raising a half-mill in property taxes specifically for salaries and operational costs, while at the same time lowering by a half-mill the millage dedicated to capital outlay, or so-called “bricks and mortar” passed by a smaller margin.

Countywide, the measure was approved by 4,383 voters, or nearly 67 percent, while 2,166 voters were opposed.  The measure was approved in all eight precincts, with the narrowest margins in Alligator Point and portions of Apalachicola, where just 58 percent of voters were supportive.

“It shows that our constituents, their family members and the citizens trust us and what’s best for teachers and students,” said Superintendent Steve Lanier. 

The measure is expected to shift about $2 million to be spent on operational needs. “That’s a big deal, and we’ll be able to take (a portion of) that and hire certified teachers,” said Lanier. 

He said that he plans to sit down next month with the district’s directors of finance and human resources, and formulate a plan for hiring personnel and raising pay.

Lanier said his goal has been to give teachers a $10,000 pay hike, to make starting salaries around $54,000. Approval of this proposal is subject to an OK by the school board.

“This is what I’m proposing and then we can talk about it. I’d like to use the full amount for salaries,” he said. “We’ve talked about it forever; now we’re in a position to do that.”

He said the earliest effective date for pay hikes to staffers would be July 1, 2025.