BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Brevard voters will decide this election if they want a half-cent sales surtax for schools to continue.

School leaders said they hope the tax will be renewed to fund much-needed systemwide projects.

The school system identified $757 million in critical projects back in 2014.

Voters then approved a half-cent surtax for improvements.

Over the past six years, more than $200 million has been brought in, funding failing air-conditioning systems, technology upgrades, and addressing security concerns.

More than half of schools in Brevard are 50 years old or older.

Renewing the tax now set to expire at year's end would fund $66 million in roof renewals, $32 million to repair plumbing and electrical systems, and $36 million to upgrade campus security systems.

"Knowing what your money is going for, that's an informed voter," Principal Theresa Benson of West Melbourne Elementary School for Science said. "That is an informed community member."

Her school is 60 years old and in need of upgrades and repair.

"A media center of tomorrow, more laptops, more technology updates," Benson said, citing needs for her school.

This year is special for 6-year-old Catherine O'Connor.

She's a brand new first-grader at West Melbourne School for Science.

Her mother Pauline supports funding for her education and is voting yes on the referendum.

"To have more resources available for our children, I'm absolutely for it," O'Connor said. "It's something you don't even notice when it comes to what you are actually paying for."

But some voters like Edward Vasquez counter, saying he doesn't trust where the money is going.

"I think everybody needs to do their due diligence, and decide what they want to do based on what they see and feel," Vasquez said.

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