YOUR SAY: Keep the penny for our schools on Nov. 3

It's not often that a simple action that takes only a few minutes can have a transformative impact for our community. But that's exactly the opportunity we have this week.

By voting "yes" on Tuesday to continue the 1 percent education special local option sales tax, we can raise more than $150 million for our schools — funds that are earmarked for new school buildings, needed renovations and important safety improvements like new buses and cameras in the classrooms so teachers can concentrate on teaching instead of distractions.

Every student in every school in the district will benefit.

We know that voting "YES" on Tuesday is a good deal for our children and a good deal for local taxpayers. That's why we're honored to join The Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce, community leaders and elected officials in support of keeping the penny for our schools. We are pleased that the Bibb County Board of Education has agreed to appoint an oversight committee to provide greater transparency and accountability for taxpayers and ensure that every penny raised is spent for needed projects to benefit our children.

As business owners, we know that our schools are the most important economic engine for our community — the place where tomorrow's leaders are trained today. By providing our children with access to 21st century technology and the opportunity to learn in safer environments, students are more likely to stay in school, graduate on time and succeed in college and the workforce.

We also believe in keeping taxes low. That's why it's important that this is not a new tax but, instead, a continuation of a successful program that has helped keep property taxes down while providing necessary funds for our schools. What's more, a recent Georgia Tech study estimates that more than 70 percent of the $150 million raised w-ill come from those who shop, visit and work in Macon-Bibb but live elsewhere. For taxpayers, keeping the penny for our schools is simply the smart thing to do.

There's no question that the decision we make this week will impact the quality of education in our community for decades. If we want to see our community grow to be the best we can be, then making this smart investment in our schools now is the right choice.

Over the past several weeks, we've talked with thousands of local residents. The vast majority of people support keeping the penny for our schools, but the fact is, only those who show up to vote Tuesday will make the decision. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. We hope you will plan now to vote and join us in saying "yes" to keep the penny for our schools.

Leonard Bevill and Rene Neville are co-chairs of Victory for Our Students.

This story was originally published October 31, 2015 at 7:44 PM with the headline "YOUR SAY: Keep the penny for our schools on Nov. 3 ."