1 for Schools Referendum
The City of Winchester does not advocate for or against ballot measures. Our role is to share clear, factual information so community members can understand the referendum and how school facilities are planned and funded.
Overview
During the 2026 general election, voters in the City of Winchester will be asked if an additional general retail sales tax not to exceed 1% be levied in the City. Revenue from the tax could only be used for qualifying capital projects involving the construction or major renovation of public schools serving the City of Winchester. The tax would expire on July 14, 2046.
Referendum at a Glance
- Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026 (early voting starts on Friday, September 18, 2026)
- Proposed Increase: Up to 1%
- Exempt Purchases: Groceries and personal hygiene products
- Retail Sales Tax Rate: Increase from 6% up to 7%
- Estimated Revenue: $8 million to $10 million annually (at 1%, $4 million to $5 million at 0.5%)
- Authorized Use: Qualifying public school construction and major renovation projects
- Proposed Expiration: July 14, 2046
Proposed Ballot Question
“Should an additional general retail sales tax not to exceed 1% be levied in the City for the payment of capital projects for the construction and/or renovation of schools serving the City in accordance with the Code of Virginia § 58.1-605.1? The revenue from the additional general sales tax not to exceed 1% shall be used solely for capital projects for the renovation or construction of City schools, financing and/or bonds, to the extent the capital projects are to be financed by bonds and/or loans, and the additional general sales tax not to exceed 1% shall expire no later than July 14, 2046.”
What Your Vote Means
A "yes" vote would authorize the City Council to levy an additional sales tax of up to 1%, but it does not automatically impose any tax. The City Council would still need to consider a rate up to 1% and adopt an ordinance.
A "no" vote would mean the City Council would not have the authority to impose an additional sales tax to fund qualifying capital projects, such as the construction or major renovation of public schools.
How the Referendum Process Works
- State Authority: Virginia law (§ 58.1-605.1), effective July 1, 2026, allows cities and counties to seek voter approval for an additional local sales tax of up to 1% for qualifying school capital projects.
- City Council Resolution: On July 14, 2026, City Council unanimously adopted a resolution requesting that the Winchester Circuit Court place the referendum on the ballot for the general election.
- Voters Consider Proposal: City of Winchester voters will consider the referendum during the 2026 general election.
- City Council Considers an Ordinance: If a majority of voters approve the referendum, City Council may consider adopting an ordinance to levy the tax.
- Tax Could be Levied: Under state law, the tax would go into effect on the first day of a month at least 120 days after the adoption of the county ordinance. The earliest this could take effect is April 1, 2027.
- Revenues Become Part of Budget: Revenue would used to fund Winchester Public School’s future capital improvement for qualifying public school construction and major renovation projects.
How the Proposed Tax Would Affect Purchases
This change does not create a new tax. This is an increase to the retail sales tax as authorized by the Code of Virginia. This change does not alter which items are classified as exempt from taxation under the existing retail sales tax structure.
| Taxable Purchase |
Current 5.3% Tax |
Possible 5.8% Tax |
Possible 6.3% Tax |
| $10 |
$0.53 |
$0.58 |
$0.63 |
| $50 |
$2.65 |
$2.90 |
$3.15 |
| $100 |
$5.30 |
$5.80 |
$6.30 |
Groceries and Personal Hygiene Products
The additional 1% tax would not apply to qualifying food purchased for home consumption or essential personal hygiene products. These purchases would remain subject to Virginia’s reduced statewide rate of 1%. Restaurant meals, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, and hot prepared foods sold for immediate consumption generally do not qualify for the reduced grocery tax rate. Learn more about Virginia’s grocery tax.
Funding and Accountability
Dedicated Use
Revenue could only be used for qualifying public school construction, major renovations, and related financing costs.
Financial Oversight
The tax would be collected through the state’s retail sales tax system. The revenue distributed to the City of Winchester would be tracked through our established processes.
Existing School Funding
Additional revenue raised using this tax can only be used for new construction and major renovations for schools. This revenue could not be used for existing debt service (like on John Kerr), but only for debt or costs related to new projects.
Limited Duration
If approved by voters and adopted by ordinance by City Council, the tax would expire on July 14, 2046.
Proposed School Projects
Winchester Public Schools has approximately $135 million in identified capital needs over the next 10 years. As outlined in the Capital Improvement Plan, several major projects could be supported with revenue from the proposed sales tax:
Garland R Quarles Elementary School
Built 71 years ago, Garland R Quarles Elementary School is in need of significant reconstruction. The project includes constructing a new building for grades K-5 while remodeling and repurposing part of the current building to centralize the division's preschool program. Beyond replacing aging, failing infrastructure, and easing maintenance burdens, this project enables vital division-wide realignment:
Reconstructing Quarles addresses our most urgent facility needs while unlocking strategic opportunities across all grade levels to serve our community better.
Estimated Cost: $86.9 million
Virginia Avenue Charlotte DeHart Elementary School
Built 31 years ago, Virginia Avenue Charlotte DeHart Elementary School is in need of an updated HVAC system, lighting, and fire/life safety system; as well as bathroom remodels.
Estimated Cost: $9.8 million
JHHS Athletic & Performance Facilities
Several projects involve athletic facilities, including new practice fields, ADA improvements in the gym, a football scoreboard, a replacement of the synthetic turf, and improvements to baseball facilities at Jim Barnett Park. Performance facility improvements include replacing chairs and carpet in the Patsy Cline Theatre.
Estimated Cost: $8 million
Emil & Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center
Following the completion of the Quarles project, a garage and classroom space would be constructed to host automotive service technology and cosmetology programs.
Estimated Cost: $2.5 million
Daniel Morgan Campus
The Daniel Morgan campus has not been renovated in 20 years, and the campus has boiler and roof replacement needs.
Estimated Cost: $1.4 million
Renovations/Major Maintenance
Currently, there is a $25 million dollar backlog, with a forecasted $67 million dollar need over the next 10 years of maintenance required within Winchester City Schools. Without proper funding, that backlog compounds as equipment (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, roof, fire/life safety, etc.) reaches the end of its lifecycle. Recurring funding is needed for major building systems and infrastructure renewals as well as other routine tasks to preserve buildings.
Learn More at a Town Hall