Portsmouth voters turned down a proposed 1% sales tax by a 61% margin, ending a plan that would have generated roughly $10 million annually for school capital projects. The measure, championed by Portsmouth Public Schools (PPS) as a dedicated revenue stream for long‑overdue facility upgrades, failed to win voter approval.
What the referendum would have funded
PPS estimated that the additional tax could have produced about $200 million over a 20‑year period. The division’s top priority is a new K‑8 school, projected to cost $85 million, followed by a new Churchland Middle School at an estimated $80 million. Those projects are part of a broader capital improvement plan that also includes renovations to existing buildings.
Official reactions
School spokesperson Lauren Nolasco told News 3, “the financial burden of meeting the division’s construction needs now falls entirely on city leadership.” She added that PPS will continue presenting its priorities to the City Council during the upcoming budget process.
Superintendent Elie Bracy, who joined three other Hampton Roads superintendents in October to advocate for the referendum, argued that a dedicated sales‑tax fund would ease pressure on property taxpayers while delivering needed school upgrades.
Community perspectives
Supporters of the measure included Churchland High School graduate Aiyana Wilson, who said the funding would benefit “future generations” and help “build up the next generation and the generation after the next generation.” Portsmouth Mayor Shannon Glover also urged voters to back the proposal, emphasizing that “education is an expensive endeavor and we are required as leaders and citizens to provide that education.”
Opposition came from various quarters. The Portsmouth Education Association president, Laura Cousins, respected the voters’ decision but warned that the failure does not erase the division’s facility needs. “Students still deserve safe, modern and well‑equipped schools,” she said, pledging continued advocacy for investment.
Regional context
The same referendum was rejected in Isle of Wight, Mathews, and York counties, as well as in the cities of Newport News and Norfolk. York County officials noted they lack authority to implement a similar tax, which would have generated about $12 million annually for school projects.
York County School Board Chair Douglas Holroyd said the county will keep working with its school division to evaluate capital priorities and funding options, stressing the need for careful balance between facility needs and other county responsibilities.
Next steps for Portsmouth schools
With the sales‑tax option off the table, PPS will explore alternative financing methods, including potential bond measures, state grant opportunities, and partnerships with private entities. The division remains committed to its capital improvement agenda and will keep the community informed as new proposals develop.
Portsmouth residents can stay engaged by attending upcoming City Council meetings, where school funding will be a key agenda item during the 2027 budget deliberations.
Original reporting: WTKR News 3 (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
