School tax renewal in May for Vermilion Parish residents

Voters in Vermilion Parish are being asked to go to the poll in May to vote on the renewal of a 10-mill, 10-year property tax.
Last week the School Board voted to place the 10-mill renewal on the May 2 ballot.
The voters first approved the tax in 1996, which is dedicated to three things.
Half of the 10 mills is for roof and air conditioning repair. Three mills are designated for classroom computers and text books. The other two mills are for the purchase of school buses.
The tax generates $3.3 million a year.
Voters approved the renewal in 2005.
Since 1996, the school board has purchased 144 new buses and replaced 140 AC units on top of school roofs.
School Board Member Anthony Fontana gave a history lesson of how the millage came about and why it was needed. He said back in mid 1970s, repairing of schools was put on the back burner because there was no money for repairs.
“Schools were going down,” Fontana said. “We can’t let that happen again. We replaced air conditioners in schools with this money. We buy seven to 10 new school buses every year and pull out the old buses because of this tax.
“Everyone, like our teachers, have to get behind the renewal and start talking it up,” he added. “They need to talk to people, get them motivated.”
He said if the tax renewal does not pass, the School Board is going to have to dip into the General Fund Account, which is already dedicated to school employee salaries and benefits.
“We need to pass this tax,” said Fontana.
School Board member Luddy Herpin said Vermilion Parish has the best school buses.
“I am very proud of our school buses,” Herpin said. “We are travelling far in our buses. If you go to a BETA Club Convention and see who has the newest buses, it is Vermilion.”