One Penny Sales Tax Information
On August 9, 2010, the Charleston County School Board (CCSD) adopted a resolution which provides for a 6 year, one penny sales tax for capital improvements. On November 2, 2010, Charleston County residents voted in favor of this resolution on the general election ballot. The tax will expire in 2016.
UPDATES: Sales Tax & Capital Building Plan
2005-2010 Capital Building Plan
The 2005-2010 plan transformed the county with the building of seventeen new schools and the renovation of many others. The plan modernized our classrooms and provided teachers and students with the high-tech tools they need to succeed in a global world. In addition, a majority of the projects were completed under budget and on time.
To learn more about the districts’ vision and how the 2005–2010 Capital Building Plan transformed the county by providing our students, families, and teachers– the 21st Century facilities they need and deserve, please view the video below.
The 2011-2016 Capital Building Plan
Q1 – What is a sales tax?
A sales tax is a locally authorized tax that must be approved by county residents to fund well-defined capital projects for the school district. We estimate that the one penny sales tax will garner approximately $450 million dollars over the next six years. The Charleston County School Board recommended raising these funds to assess, design, renovate, build or rebuild school district facilities for students in the Charleston County School District.
Q2 – What buildings were constructed in the previous plan, and what is scheduled to be built in the new plan?
For a complete list of facilities that will be built and/or renovated, please view the full List of Proposed Projects.
Q3 – What if the one penny sales tax had not been approved?
The Charleston County School Board had committed to rebuilding four seismically affected schools in the downtown area, at a cost of approximately $150 million. If the sales tax proposal had not been approved, the district could have levied a property tax of up to 11 mills for 8 years in order to raise the funds necessary to make these buildings safe for returning students. State law limits the debt capacity (ability to borrow) of school districts and other government entities to 8%.
- Additional Frequently Asked Questions
- "Just The Facts"- Printable Fact Sheet
- Text of Ballot Question
- List of Proposed Projects
- Before & After: Examples of How the 2005-2010 Campaign Transformed CCSD
- Learn more about the CCSD's Capital Improvements
For additional information about our 2011–2016 Capital Projects Program, call the Office of Communications at 937-6303.
If you would like to ask Superintendent McGinley a question about the Capital Plan, please email her at build4success@charleston.k12.sc.us.
