Consider for approval and adoption a School Board of Clay County, Florida (“School Board”) Resolution requesting the Board of County Commissioners of Clay County, Florida (“BCC”) to place a referendum on the ballot for the August 28, 2018 primary election, whereby the electors within the Clay County School District (“District”) may vote on the approval of an additional one (1) mill of ad valorem millage tax for District operating expenses over a period of four (4) years, as authorized by section 1011.71(9) of the Florida Statutes.

The tragic massacre of students and staff by a gunman at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018 led to the enactment of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act (“the Act”). The Act, which entails a broad array of school safety reforms, imposed upon all Florida public school districts numerous mandates and additional requirements to achieve greater safety for public school students and staff.  Following these events, the School Board and Superintendent – in collaboration with the BCC and numerous other stakeholders – have collectively explored avenues by which funding could be generated to meet such mandates without compromising the quality of instructional and other services provided by the District. An additional one (1) mill of ad valorem millage tax, if approved by electors via referendum, would provide an appropriate funding source.  Prompt adoption/passage of a School Board Resolution is necessary to meet the deadlines for submitting such a referendum vote to the electors in August 2018.

New state requirements exceed existing resources.

None

Obtain approval of Resolution to initiate the process to seek a referendum asking electors to approve an additional one (1) mill of ad valorem millage tax.

The District ensures fiscal responsibility and equitable distribution of resources.

Adopt a Resolution in a form substantially similar to the one attached to pursue a one (1) mill referendum for the August 28, 2018 primary election.