During the Leon County Schools agenda review meeting held on Monday, June 16, officials discussed the impact of future population growth in Northeast Leon County on school infrastructure and how to pay for any new schools that may be required.
Information provided to the school board indicated that he Welaunee development is projected to have a minimum of 7,000 dwelling units.
School board member Alva Smith stressed that preparing for the influx of new students is crucial to avoid scenarios where parents seek private school options due to a lack of space or schools being over capacity.
Superintendent Hanna acknowledged the long-standing conversation about growth predominantly to the north and east of Tallahassee. While he agrees that land acquisition for new schools will eventually be necessary, he views it as premature currently because roads are not yet set.
He also expressed skepticism about the Department of Education’s student projection formula, noting that Leon County is one of the slowest-growing counties in Florida and that enrollment is declining due to voucher programs and private/home schooling.
School board member Daryl Jones highlighted that private schools are already tracking these population growth trends, citing Holy Comforter’s location as an example. He emphasized the value of a conversation to anticipate needs, particularly as the Planning Commission historically reported no impact on schools from major developments.
The board members agreed that these conversations need to involve both city and county officials, especially considering the “skyrocketing” cost of construction and declining state funding.
Impact fees were also discussed as a potential funding source for new construction, with about a third of districts in Florida implementing them, generating $5,000 to $8,000 per dwelling unit. However, implementing impact fees requires a costly study (estimated 6 months to a year).
It was noted that impact fees cannot be assessed retroactively. Such fees would generate dedicated funds for new facilities in impacted areas, freeing up existing district funds for repairs and renovations in other schools.
The superintendent agreed to explore the cost of an impact fee study and gather information from other counties.
LCS to Explore the Use of Impact Fees to Fund New School Construction added by Steve Stewart on
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Of course more schools and more property taxes. Don’t worry, I think i still have some money left for the city to take to spend on things I dont use.
Another idea I had during my Campaigns is that, instead of Impact Fees, hook up with the Florida Lottery and create a couple of Scratch Off Lottery Tickets to be used JUST to build new Schools. Everyone I told this to liked the idea. Call them “HALL PASS”, make one a $5 Ticket and one a $20 Ticket.
Don’t forget the big Subdivision Development going in on April Road and the one going in at Blairstone & Paul Russell Rd. and all the new Homes being built in Southwood nonstop. Redrawing of the School Districts and deciding where to build the needed new Schools is way past due. I’ve mentioned that many times when I was running for Leon County Commissioner those times.
they didn’t raise your property taxes but you will pay more.