TUSCALOOSA, Ala (WIAT) – The Tuscaloosa City School System and some city residents are looking at what steps they need to take next after the Ad Valorem Tax vote failed to pass.
On Sept. 24, thousands of city residents headed out to the polls to vote in a special election that would have increased the milage rate by 11.5 mills to generate an additional $17 million for school funding.
5,099 residents voted yes. 5,705 residents voted no.
“It was a close vote,” TCS Board Chair Eric Wilson said. “Tax referendums are hard, [and it’s] very rare that they are successful.”
Now the school system must move forward and decide what areas need to be reevaluated financially and what educational programs or resources will have to go.
For now, their budget over the next two years is accounted for.
“The lights will be on,” TCS Superintendent Mike Daria said. “We’ll be there on [Wednesday] ready to keep doing what we do.”
Limitations due to financial constraints will be placed on the school system, unless TCS can find alternative fundings options, however their goals remain the same.
“Nothing changes our vision, we’re going to keep working to be the premier school system,” Daria said.
“We will roll up our sleeves [Wednesday], and we will still continue to educate our kids in an excellent and formidable manner,” Wilson said.
How the districts voted :
City Council District 1
YES - 428
NO - 321
City Council District 2
YES - 539
NO - 336
City Council District 3
YES - 1775
NO - 2406
City Council District 4
YES - 199
NO - 82
City Council District 5
YES - 641
NO - 763
City Council District 6
YES - 854
NO - 1243
City Council District 7
YES - 497
NO -471
Absentee Ballots
YES - 66
NO - 81
Some city residents who voted yes have taken to social media expressing their discontent with the special election results.
Some Facebook posts read:
“Thanks to the NO VOTE our kids suffer. Our TEACHERS suffer. Tuscaloosa loses in educating our future.”
“Tuscaloosa has demonstrated that it is not a place that values education for children.”
“For everyone who chose profit over children, I believe you when you tell me who you are. Heartbreaking for our schools and community.”
“Walt Maddox and elevate should use the money they’re using to expand a tennis court. The city failed the school system not the citizens.”
“Awful for our city & the impact will be far reaching. Strong public schools systems are the foundation of vibrant prosperous & growing cities. Our city failed tonight.”
Some residents are calling on others, who are also upset the vote failed, to take action and help TCS.
Some Facebook posts read:
“As a former educator in TCS to those that voted yes you can make a donation to the system or a particular school in the amount their property taxes would have been increased.”
“Ok everyone, it’s time to start a go fund me or capital campaign for Tuscaloosa City Schools. Who is going to start it?”
One campaign will be underway soon. The non-profit Tuscaloosa Education foundation is getting ready to kick off a fundraiser for city schools.
Those who want to donate can do so annually or monthly, and there is not a minimum donation required.
“The suggested amount is the extra money you would have paid in taxes,” Tuscaloosa Education Foundation Executive Director Caroline Lassester said.
Some residents who voted yes are encouraging people to find alternative ways to support TCS.
(Jerry Carter/FORMER NAACP PRESIDENT)
“If you’re not involved with your school, [go to] the PTA, get to know the principal, the teachers,” Former Tuscaloosa Chapter NAACP President Jerry Carter said. “Spend a little time at your child’s school.”
While funding opportunities remain uncertain, Carter believes the “No Vote” will look back on Sept. 24.
“I really feel that some of the people that voted no will regret their decisions down the road,” Carter said.
Some of the things TCS wanted to accomplish with he $17 million in funding would have gone to teacher salaries, guaranteed pre-k for all, educational programs, after school programs, and other learning opportunities.
Now that the funding has not been secured through property taxes, another means will have to be created.