The City of Portsmouth and Portsmouth Public Schools (PPS) are joining together to announce that Portsmouth voters will have the opportunity in November to consider a 1% local sales and use tax dedicated exclusively to school construction and major renovation projects, including associated bond or loan finance costs.
Portsmouth Public Schools has several ongoing facility needs. According to the division’s most recent Capital Improvement Program priority list, the top priority is a new K-8 middle school, estimated at $85 million. A new Churchland Middle School is also identified as a need, with an estimated cost of $80 million. Additional needs include ongoing roof replacements and HVAC upgrades across the division.
The referendum is authorized under legislation approved by the Virginia General Assembly as part of the 2026–2028 biennial budget. If approved by voters, the additional revenue is estimated to generate approximately $10 million annually for Portsmouth Public Schools, providing a dedicated funding source for school facility needs. Over the maximum 20-year period of the tax, the additional revenue could provide approximately $200 million dedicated solely to school construction.
The revenue generated by the tax would be used only for school capital projects, including the construction of new schools, major renovations or modernization of existing facilities. It cannot be used for salaries, benefits, instructional materials, routine supplies, day-to-day operations or general program costs.
The additional revenue would supplement existing local funding for school capital needs, providing Portsmouth with an additional tool to address long-term facility investments.
The additional 1% tax would generally apply to many taxable retail purchases, including clothing, electronics, furniture, restaurant purchases and certain lodging. Food purchased for human consumption and essential personal hygiene products are specifically exempt.
Portsmouth voters will decide on the Local Retail Sales Tax for the Construction or Major Renovation of Schools Referendum in November 2026.
Those interested in more information, can visit ppsk12.us/PPSVote.