Schools millage endorsement

St. Charles Parish schools are among the best in the state. And if the good are to keep getting better, they need a steady source of income.

In a millage renewal vote set for Saturday, March 31, citizens can provide that income by voting yes to two taxes.
Proposition No. 1 provides for the renewal of a 42.97-mill tax for the school system's general fund for 10 years, until 2017. The tax is not new - this is a renewal - and it generates $32 million a year.

This money is a full third of the school system's general fund and accounts for half of all local revenue. The tax supports operations and maintenance and includes employee salaries and benefits.

Proposition No. 2 provides for the renewal of a 4.9-mill tax for 10 years, again, until 2017. This is not a new tax - this is a renewal - and it generates $3.8 million a year.
Like Proposition No. 1, this tax helps to pay for maintenance. It also is used for construction and upkeep. It is used, too, to pay some salaries in the maintenance department.

St. Charles Parish schools are a crown jewel in our community, and are doing their part to make our future, and that of our children, brighter. We all can do our part.
Voting YES for both millage renewals is an important step in supporting our schools. We at the Herald-Guide recommend it.