SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. — The results are in for two important referendum questions Sarasota County voters decided on Tuesday.
By an overwhelming margin, more than 84% of voters decided to renew a millage tax used to fund the county school district. The $1 for every $1,000 of assessed property value will continue to help pay for teacher incentives and school resources.
The second referendum question voters decided on was a change to how commissioners were elected. If approved, voters would have been allowed to vote for any commissioner regardless of the district they live in.
WWSB reports the referendum would have reversed a 2018 decision that allows residents to cast ballots for a single county commissioner from the district they reside in.
Voters on Tuesday voted against the referendum.
The Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections reports 99,679 ballots were cast on Tuesday - that's a 28.4% voter turnout.
The school district released the following statement on the vote:
"On behalf of the Sarasota County School District’s students, parents/guardians, staff, and Board members, thank you for your support in last night’s election. The continuation of the referendum will truly make a positive, life-changing impact on the future of our community.
A high-quality, engaging education provides a foundation for a successful life, and Sarasota County Schools is committed to remaining a stronghold of educational excellence for all students. We are also dedicated to connecting our employees with the resources they need to support our students, their school communities, and worksites. The funding yielded from the continued millage will help the school district do all of this and much more.
Thank you for choosing to invest in the future of our community’s children & their families, as well as the hardworking educational professionals and support staff that serve our schools. We appreciate your partnership as we continue to work as one for the success of all!"