School Sales Tax Referendum

Opposed the referendum, arguing school budgets have grown while performance and enrollment declined 27% since 2006, and that the answer is better management, not more taxes that fall mostly on residents.

Opposed, criticizing financial management of school funds, citing a $13 million surplus turned over to the city and the MacArthur Mall purchase, and questioning priorities in the Norview area.

A recent Norview High graduate opposed the tax, saying money went to a new football field and military recruiters while students lacked Chromebooks and teachers bought supplies themselves.

Strongly supported the referendum, citing 15 years of advocacy for school funding and noting good schools strengthen the city's economy and desirability.

The president of the Education Association of Norfolk supported the referendum, saying investing in schools strengthens students, neighborhoods, and the whole community.

Supported putting the question to voters but asked the council to also consider reinvesting funds from closed schools and promised casino revenue for schools.

Vice president of the Education Association of Norfolk supported the referendum, noting a sales tax spreads the cost to shoppers and visitors rather than only homeowners.

Supported the referendum, saying funds are urgently needed for schools like Maury High, and suggested the capital work is a fiscally smart time to handle the renaming of schools formerly named for Confederate officers.