Former Magic coach Van Gundy finds new cause: Seminole school tax drive

By Dave Weber, Orlando Sentinel

7:05 p.m. EST, September 6, 2012

SANFORD ? Supporters of an increase in property taxes for Seminole County schools Thursday kicked off their campaign to win voter approval, with former Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy leading the drive.

Van Gundy, who lives in the Lake Mary area and has two children in public schools, said the schools are desperate for the extra cash. Maintaining the quality of Seminole's top notch schools, which are among the highest performing in the state, benefits everyone, he said.

"Even if you don't have any kids in the schools you have a vested interest in the quality of the schools," Van Gundy said.

Property values and economic growth and development are closely tied to the quality of the county's schools, which are a big draw for families and businesses, Van Gundy and others say.

Seminole voters will be asked in the Nov. 6 general election whether they approve a 1-mill increase in property taxes for four years beginning a year from now. The increase would bring in as much as $25 million annually, if the full 1-mill is levied, although school district officials say they might not ask for the full amount each year.

The tax would be in addition to regular property taxes for schools, which will amount to about $7.55 for each $1,000 of taxable property this year. The School Board is scheduled to approve that tax Tuesday.

Van Gundy said he agreed in part to head the group of supporters called Citizens for Preservation of Property Values because he has the time. He was fired as Magic coach in May, and has not taken another job, but says he and his family intend to remain here because of the high quality public schools.

"I am fortunate. I could send my kids to school anywhere," Van Gundy said. "But we chose to live in Seminole County because of the high quality of the schools."

Seminole schools have faced severe budget cuts the past several years because of declining enrollment and reduced state funding due to the poor economy.

Van Gundy said he was struck by the seriousness of the cuts when he learned that the entire English department at Lake Mary High, where one of his children is enrolled, would have only $1,400 to spend this year for extra materials and other needed items.

"If we are having trouble providing school supplies to our children, I felt we need to get to work," Van Gundy said.

The School Board in a split vote called for the referendum earlier this summer, and faces opposition from a group against a tax increase. School Board member Diane Bauer indicated last week that she intends to be among those speaking out against the tax.

Source: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/os-stan-vangundy-seminole-tax-20120906,0,3904633.story?track=rss

mike jones just friends chronicle george lopez bedtime stories micron susan g komen