District administrators invite residents to learn more about the upcoming November 3 ballot question regarding a 1 cent sales tax for Tazewell County residents.
As Tazewell County voters prepare for the upcoming general election on November 3, 2026, Olympia CUSD #16 leadership will host two public informational sessions regarding the proposed County School Facilities Sales Tax (CSFT). District Superintendent Dr. Laura O'Donnell and Assistant Superintendent Mr. Andy Walsh will lead the presentations to help community members, parents, and local taxpayers understand the county sales tax and the potential impact on local schools.
Session Schedule
To accommodate district residents, two informational meetings have been scheduled prior to the November election:
Date | Time | Location | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|---|
Tuesday, September 8, 2026 | 5:00 p.m. | Olympia West Elementary | Community Overview |
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 | 5:00 p.m. | Olympia High School (Learning Center) | Community Overview |
Understanding the Referendum Proposal
The Tazewell County School Facilities Sales Tax referendum asks voters to consider a 1% retail sales tax across Tazewell County to support local public school facilities, safety measures, and student mental health services. If approved by a simple majority, the revenue generated will be distributed among Tazewell County school districts based on student enrollment.
Key features of the tax structure include:
What is Taxed: General retail merchandise, restaurant dining, gas station purchases, and online orders.
What is Exempt: Groceries (unprepared foods), prescription and over-the-counter medications, motor vehicles (cars, trucks, ATVs, RVs, boats, mobile homes), farm equipment, parts, and agricultural inputs such as seed and fertilizer.
Non-Resident Tax Support: It is estimated that nearly 60% of the sales tax revenue would be generated by non-residents and visitors shopping in Tazewell County, helping spread financial responsibility beyond local homeowners.
Allocation and Impact for Olympia Schools
By state law, revenue from the CSFT can strictly be used for facility improvements, security and fire safety upgrades, School Resource Officers (SROs), mental health professionals, durable equipment, or retiring existing building debt to abate property taxes. Funds cannot be used for operating expenses, direct instructional costs, teacher salaries, or textbooks.
Olympia CUSD #16 serves approximately 500 students who reside within Tazewell County. Should the referendum pass, funding follows the student, bringing an estimated annual revenue between $400,000 and $598,000 directly to Olympia schools.
Community Questions and Additional Information
Additional educational materials, frequently asked questions, and county-wide campaign details can also be found at the dedicated campaign website, TazewellForStudents.com.