May 23, 2013
Houston County School officials say they need financial help and they need it now.
The board voted unanimously last Monday night to authorize Superintendent Kenneth Lord to send a letter to county commissioners.
The letter will ask commissioners to impose a one-cent sales tax increase for schools as soon as possible. The tax increase would generate about $12 million each year. The money would be split by Houston County and Dothan City schools based on enrollment.
If county commissioners turn down the sales tax hike, the school board wants a referendum to let voters decide.
Lord said if the school system doesn't find more money, then athletic programs may have to be cut, and the system could face a takeover by the state.
