On March 20, all of us who can vote have a very important responsibility to fulfill. The special election to continue the 1-mill local property tax referendum is being held. This is not a new tax but has been in effect since 2002, allowing Sarasota County students to be the pinnacle of academic success in Florida.  The 1-mill referendum raises $55.6 million per year, 13 percent of the overall budget for Sarasota County Schools. Based on the outcome of the upcoming vote, such funding could be at risk of be cut. We are students in Sarasota County Schools, reminding you to vote “Yes” March 20.

While there has been a large amount of information bombarding voters on the facts and statistics of this referendum, we want to provide a student perspective as the recipients of such funding. We are seniors at Sarasota Military Academy and Booker High School and we currently serve as student board members for the Education Foundation of Sarasota County and are here to tell you how this election intimately impacts us.

We each have had the awesome opportunity to be in a county with a wonderful supply of funds for our education.

Personally, I (Mark-Elliot) have been able to take advantage of opportunities in the visual arts including participation in a film program during middle school, giving me the chance to use truly high-end equipment at a young age. Such an experience has caused me to pursue interests in the visual arts, specifically visual storytelling. I am also in the International Baccalaureate program, which I am sure would not be possible without the funding from the previous referendum. This academic program has given me a chance to find my passions in life (teaching and the French language) and has taught me life skills that I will take with me in my future. I know that I would not have had this opportunity to have access to this program if it were not for the continuation of the 1 mill tax referendum.

I (Dorian) have seen how the 1-mill funds help Sarasota students become well-rounded with music, dance, art and drama classes. For some students at my school, creative elective classes are their main incentive to go to school. My classmate, Shelby Fletcher, is enrolled in the Visual and Performing Arts program at Booker High School and has commented, “I tolerate my core classes because it means I get to dance during my elective ones. Dance courses are what keep me coming to school.” In my experience, a fantastic teacher makes all the difference in the classroom. The referendum allows Sarasota County Schools to attract and retain exceptional teachers. Our district is able to seek out passionate, well-educated and professional teachers with good character. Higher salaries encourage quality teachers not only to come to our county, but also to stay.

In short, we want you to vote Yes! We have a unique perspective as both voters and students, and it is our desire to see ALL our fellow Sarasota County students reach their academic and personal potential, which is dramatically helped by the funds provided by the 1-mill tax. Join us and vote YES on March 20.

Mark-Elliot Finley, Sarasota Military Academy class of 2018, and Dorian Bizeau, Booker High School class of 2018, serve as student board members at the Education Foundation of Sarasota County.