Tax for schools to be on Hernando ballot

The Hernando County School District admits: it's crumbling.  Or at least its buildings are.

Now, they're urging taxpayers to approve an increase in the sales tax from 6 to 6.5 percent.

The district says, since funding dropped off after the 2008 recession, they are $87 million behind in repairs.

At Springstead High School, there are leaky roofs, broken air conditioning units and sandbags to guard against flooding.

The district says the sales tax could raise $8 million a year.  It will be up for a district-wide vote on Tuesday.

"We can't begin to talk about economic development in this county without supporting our schools," insisted Lynn Gruber-White of the 'Save our Students' committee.

"The lower working class pays enough in taxes," countered Ray Cerro of Spring Hill.  "I believe the rich should be taxed more."

The district says they collected the sales tax for 14 years until it expired in December. 

Polls are open Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.