Planning Commission - Regular Meeting

This November, York County voters will be asked whether the county should be allowed to add a local sales tax of up to 1% with the revenue dedicated to public school construction and major renovations.

We want you to have all the facts you need to make an informed decision at the polls. So let's break it down. Strong public schools are an important part of a strong community. They help prepare students for their futures, bring families together, and contribute to the quality of life in York County. YCSD is considered one of the best school divisions in Virginia and regularly earns national recognition as well. Our schools are why families stay in York County and why new residents choose to come to York County. Our tradition of excellence spans generations. Many long time York County residents attended the same schools serving today's children. Those buildings have served our community well. Regular maintenance, repairs and renovations have helped extend the life of our school facilities. But as buildings age, they require larger investments to meet the needs of today's students and future generations. The average YCSD school is now 55 years old. York High, Yorktown Middle, and Grafton Bethel Elementary opened in 1954 and are now 72 years old. Understanding the age and condition of our school facilities is an important part of understanding our long-term facility needs.

So how are major projects identified and funded? YCSD uses a Capital Improvement Program, or CIP, to plan for major school construction, renovations, and facility improvements. With 18 school campuses and two operational complexes, projects are currently identified and prioritized for funding on a six-year cycle. Once a school undergoes a renovation or roof replacement, it likely won't be placed back on the CIP for about 20 years. YCSD seeks state and federal construction and maintenance grants when they're available, but those funds only cover a small portion of overall school construction costs. The November referendum provides voters with a decision about a new local source of capital funding specifically for schools.

If voters approve the referendum, the Board of Supervisors could consider adding a local sales tax of up to 1%. At the full 1%, that's one additional cent on every dollar of taxable purchases and is estimated to generate about $12 million each year. That tax would be paid by residents and visitors making taxable purchases in York County. Non-discretionary purchases, such as groceries, are exempt.

And one important note, state law limits this revenue to eligible school construction, major renovations, and related financing costs. It cannot pay for teacher salaries or day-to-day school operations.

We hope we've given you some information you can use to make an informed decision on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026.

If you'd like to learn more, visit our school division website.