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St. Johns County voters approve sales tax increase to improve schools

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — Major changes are coming to the St. Johns County School District over the next ten years. Voters decided Tuesday night to pass a half-percent sales tax increase.

District leaders say they already have a plan in place for those funds. That plan includes four new schools to be built immediately and renovations at several other schools. School officials said construction plans are already in the works.

Just before 9 p.m. Tuesday, the full count was in as voters passed the new half-cent sales tax with about 60 percent of the ballots. School officials said this will raise around $150 million over the next decade.

That money will pay for 20 new schools to keep up with St. Johns County's booming population and housing market.

"The growth in the area, there needs to be facilities to support the growth," said Joe Coughlin, who supports the sales tax increase.

Experts say by 2025, close to 16,000 new students will call the county home.

School board chair Beverly Slough said there are already plans renovate several schools, increase security and build four new schools, possibly in early spring.

"The northwest area, one in Nocatee, one in World Golf Village and one in the south part of county," Slough said.

"As I see more people move into the area, it's clear we need more schools," said Lauren Long, who supports the tax.

The sales tax starts Jan. 1. Officials say it will raise around $13 million a year for schools.