New County School Supt. Dr. Bryan Johnson said he is in agreement with County Mayor Jim Coppinger that they "need to start meeting some of the school system’s building needs immediately" with money from a tax increase approved Wednesday.
County Mayor Coppinger said, “A significant amount of the additional revenues will be used toward building one or two new schools, expanding capacity at schools in high-growth areas and addressing some of the most pressing capital needs at several schools with new roofs or major roofing repairs, energy efficient windows and renovation of athletic tracks and athletic facilities.”
Officials said the next step is for the superintendent and the County School Board "to work together to judiciously identify and approve how and where the funds will be spent."
Dr.
Johnson said the Hamilton County Department of Education "is truly appreciative of the Hamilton County Commission, with the leadership of Mayor Jim Coppinger, for recognizing the urgent capital needs in our schools.
“We appreciate the additional funding approved by the county commission and Mayor Coppinger. These funds will assist us with addressing capital needs specific to growth and deferred maintenance. There must be a financial investment to have a world-class school system. It is evident that Mayor Coppinger and our commissioners are vested in this effort. We do not take lightly, the responsibility we have to make efficient and effective usage of tax payer dollars. Our end goal is to develop students that are prepared for post-secondary opportunities. We look forward to the continued partnership and investment in public education.”
The move will generate additional revenues of $25.5 million for economic development, education, public safety, and Infrastructure. Those funds will then be leveraged into $200 million in bond money, it was stated.
Officials said $100 million of this bond money will be used for HCDE capital needs. An additional $1 million will be divided among all 79 HCDE schools to help offset the costs of school supplies.