Since 2003, Orange County Public Schools has opened 53 new schools to respond to growth and relieve overcrowding. All of this was made possible by infusing money into the district from three sources: impact fees (paid by builders), a local sales tax (paid anytime someone buys something in Orange County) and property taxes (paid by property owners).
In 2002, Orange County voters supported schools by enacting a half-penny sales tax increase. The tax pays to renovate or replace aging schools, build new schools to accommodate growth, pays for site acquisition, new digital technology in classrooms and capital renewal. From January 2003 through June 2019, sales tax collections totaled $3 billion, with visitors to Orange County paying an estimated 55% of the tax. In 2014, voters extended the tax for an additional 10 years.
A one-mill property tax ($1 of taxes for every $1,000 of the taxable value of a property) to support the school system originally passed in 2010. It is used to preserve academic programs, retain highly qualified teachers, and protect arts, athletics and student activities which is necessary to maintain a high-quality education for all students.
This tax was renewed in 2014, and again in August 2018, by nearly 84 percent of voters. The infusion of this much-needed financial support allowed the district to continue providing the same high-level of services while also maintaining fiscal responsibility. The current ad valorem millage began on July 1, 2019, and will end June 30, 2023.
During fiscal year 2019, the district will have more than $617 million in budgeted school projects under construction. This includes more than $158 million for new relief projects and $459 million for the replacement or renovation of existing schools.
Over the next five years, the district plans to open 15 new schools, including nine elementary schools, one K-8, three middle schools and two high schools.