In Their Words
From parents and teachers to retirees, farmers and local business owners, from newcomers to lifelong residents, people across Prince Edward County are uniting to show support for our schools. Soon on this site you'll hear directly from your neighbors on why a YES vote on November 3rd means a stronger, brighter future for all of us.
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While the Board of Supervisors cannot take an official position on the referendum, as a citizen and voter I will be voting ‘Yes' because this is something our kids and teachers need—and because it's a good deal for County taxpayers. We have overdue repairs and renovations we really need to make, and they'll only get more expensive if we don't start to face them. Collecting revenue from out-of-town shoppers means the entire burden won't fall on county property taxpayers and businesses.
I also know our schools are being asked to do a lot with a little, and we owe it to our hard-working teachers and kids to make sure they have adequate support and facilities. This is our local community stepping up to support ourselves and to show teachers and kids that we value education. But it also makes good financial sense for taxpayers in the long run.
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J. David Emmert
Prince Edward Board of Supervisors, Prospect District
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I fully support the 1% sales tax in support of Prince Edward County Public Schools. This revenue would greatly increase our ability to fund much-needed improvements for all of our school-related infrastructure issues. I encourage everyone to vote YES this November.
Pattie Cooper-Jones
Prince Edward Board of Supervisors, Farmville District
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Prince Edward County Public Schools have been a part of my life for generations. As a parent of current students, School Board member, multigenerational alumnus, adjunct instructor, and community member, I have seen firsthand how strong schools strengthen our entire community. I support the 1% sales tax initiative because it creates a broader, fairer way to fund needed school improvements without relying exclusively on property tax increases. It also exempts groceries, protecting families from added costs on everyday necessities. Supporting this initiative means investing in our children, preserving the quality of our schools, and sharing that investment across everyone who benefits from our local economy.
Cainan Townsend
Executive Director of the Moton Museum, PECPS Alumnus and Parent & School Board Chair
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I love our community and do not want another real estate tax increase. The One for Prince Edward campaign is a different scenario. This 1% retail tax would come from anyone shopping in Prince Edward, not just residents, and the revenue would go entirely toward the physical building needs of our school. Our school needs funds for building and renovation without an increase in county real estate taxes. That is why I support One for Prince Edward. Our kids need this. You get to choose in November. Please choose wisely.
Robyn Simpson
Lifelong Southside Resident and School Board Member, Prospect
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I don’t think anyone wants another tax, but our middle and high school buildings desperately need renovation. Under the leadership of Dr. Jones, our schools are moving in the right direction, and it is critical to the future of Prince Edward County that we continue that progress. This tax gives us a way to improve our schools without putting the entire burden on property owners, while allowing everyone who shops in the county to help support them.
Susan Kimbrough
Retired Educator and School Board Member, Farmville
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I believe voting 'YES' for the 1% sales tax referendum is a long-term strategic investment in stronger schools, a stronger economy, and a stronger Prince Edward County. My local involvement as Board Chairperson with our local Farmville Area Chamber of Commerce, as an educator and nonprofit leader, and as a longtime community volunteer have helped me to strongly lean into the belief that modern, well-equipped schools can help to create better learning environments for our students while helping our community attract families, businesses, and a talented workforce.
This investment, along with the strong leadership and momentum already brewing within our local school system, can further propel us forward. I believe our community’s current and continued investment in our local public schools reflects the values of our local business community, which include supporting education, encouraging economic growth, and strengthening the quality of life that makes Prince Edward County a great place to live, work, and do business. I hope you will join me in voting 'YES.'
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Cameron Patterson
Community Volunteer and Board Chair, Farmville Area Chamber of Commerce
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I support the 1% sales tax increase to benefit Prince Edward County Public Schools. As a parent of two girls at PECPS, I have seen firsthand the challenges faced by the administrators and the teachers. I have also seen heroic efforts by administrators, teachers, and parents to provide those kids with the best possible education. I understand that no one wants to pay more taxes, but this small sales tax increase will pay huge dividends for our kids and the county.
Eric Hodges
PECPS Parent and Local Educator
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I support the sales tax referendum because I believe the successful future of any community begins with quality schools. School is where a person’s confidence, sense of identity and belief in their own potential truly begin to take shape. It is where children begin to believe that they are capable, that they matter and that they deserve the opportunities the world has to offer.
If we want Prince Edward to thrive, our schools must thrive. And for our schools to thrive, they need the funding to provide our children and teachers with facilities they deserve. I believe this referendum is an important and easy step toward making that possible. Investing in our schools is an investment in our children, our community and the future of our County.
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Kylie Dyer
PECPS Alumna, Lifelong Resident & Young Professional
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I am proud to support One for Prince Edward because I care deeply about this community and the students and families we serve. I want our students to learn in schools that show them they are valued, supported, and worth investing in, and I believe this effort is an important step toward that future.
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Jessica Tibbs
Local Educator & PECPS Administrator
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At a time when people are arguing about so many issues at the state and national level, it has been gratifying to see people coming together around a local issue that anyone can get behind. Not just parents and teachers, but business owners and elected officials of all stripes understand why this makes sense. Strong public schools are essential for keeping young families and professionals here, which is essential for business and, in turn, for protecting our tax base over the long term, and this is just a smarter way to do it. And there is good momentum in the system right now with our school leadership under Chip Jones—it’s time to make sure they have the tools they need to succeed.
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Justin Pope
PECPS Parent & One for Prince Edward Co-Chair
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I support this effort because every child in Prince Edward County deserves safe, modern schools that reflect our community’s commitment to education. A dedicated sales tax would provide a practical way to fund urgently needed improvements while sharing some of the cost with visitors who shop here.
Corey Call
Local Educator
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As a young person who has benefited from a strong public education, I know firsthand what quality schools can do to improve lives, transform communities, and change the world. When schools thrive, communities thrive. Our children and local educators deserve facilities they can be proud of, and that reflect a local and county-wide commitment to education. I encourage everyone, no matter their age, political ideologies or beliefs, to think about a teacher who made a difference in their life, and go to the polls in November and vote YES in their honor. Our children and their educators deserve the best!
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Dustyn Hall
Local Civic Leader & One for Prince Edward Co-Chair
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Supporting our public schools is the most effective and impactful way to support our community. Coming together to serve the greater good is as American as it gets.
Jacob Euteneuer
Local Educator
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My family is passionate about the betterment of public education and our proud parents of two PECPS graduates. We support this referendum and look forward to the improvements it will make to PECPS.
Lesley Stimpert
Local Librarian
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Good public schools are vital to a good economy and higher incomes in any locality—including counties and cities.
Jordan & Rachael Miles
Supporters & Former Residents
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This referendum's passage will most definitely assist the Prince Edward County Public Schools in securing funding for school building improvements, which, in turn, will ensure that our children and staff members attend and work in modern, safe facilities. Voting “yes” for the referendum would reduce the likelihood of immediate discussion of raising personal property tax. There are necessary building and maintenance priorities to address. Our children deserve the best educational opportunities we can give them; that includes the best of the best when it comes to the school campus they walk into daily.
Harvey Tackett
School Board Member, Farmville
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