10/16/2026
Please take a minute to read this post which outlines our Wi******er Public Schools Superintendent's thoughts on the upcoming "One for Schools" referendum.
🏫 ONE FOR SCHOOLS: What could 1% mean for Wi******er students?
This November, Wi******er voters will consider a referendum that would authorize an additional local sales tax of up to 1% dedicated specifically to public school construction and major renovation projects.
As Superintendent, my responsibility is to make sure our community understands the need, the numbers, and what this could make possible.
Wi******er Public Schools has approximately $135 million in identified capital needs over the next 10 years. At the full 1%, the sales tax is estimated to generate approximately $8–10 million annually in dedicated revenue for qualifying school capital projects. By law, those dollars could only be used for eligible school construction, major renovations, and related financing costs.
But this is about much more than buildings.
The biggest proposed project is the replacement of Garland R. Quarles Elementary School—a project that could create a domino effect of opportunities across WPS:
🏫 A new Quarles Elementary School & Early Learning Center
→ Creates additional elementary capacity and centralizes preschool.
🎒 5th grade returns to our elementary schools
→ Moving from the current 5–6 intermediate model creates additional space at Daniel Morgan.
📚 Daniel Morgan becomes a true 6–8 middle school
→ Opening space for the Rhodes Alternative Education Program to move from temporary facilities into a permanent home with room to grow.
🛠️ More space at the Innovation Center
→ Creating the opportunity to expand Career & Technical Education with programs such as Automotive Service Technology and Cosmetology—giving even more students access to career-connected learning.
One project. A division-wide impact.
For years, we have worked to expand opportunities for students while also confronting the reality of aging facilities and significant capital needs. This referendum gives Wi******er voters the opportunity to decide whether a dedicated sales-tax revenue stream should become part of how our community addresses those needs.
I encourage our community to learn about the referendum, understand what it would fund, ask questions, and participate in the process.
👉 Learn more about 1 for Schools and WPS capital needs:
https://lnkd.in/e-B5F-Jq
Wi******er Public Schools ******erVA
