School board members have an idea: Increase property taxes to help acquire more funding for building the new Selma High School.

Brenda Randolph-Obomanu, District 2 representative, presented a resolution to the Board at the meeting Tuesday that would increase local property tax to generate additional tax money to use for the building fund.

“What I am suggesting is that we solicit the City Council and let the people vote on whether or not we increase the property tax so we can get an entire school built, not just part of the school,” Randolph-Obomanu said.

She feels it is important to allow the citizens of Selma to have a voice, and a financial part, in building the new school.

The resolution expresses that after spending the available $27 million of funding on the building of the school, the Board will not have enough money to maintain the other school structures.

“What this is saying is that everybody wants a brand new school, so now we are saying that if you want this brand new school, then help us pay for it,” said Henry Hicks, school board president.

Selma City Schools Superintendent Dr. Austin Obasohan finds this resolution a good idea because the community can help build the school together.

“We all want the same thing,” Obasohan said. “We want a good school for our children. This is really bringing the community on board and I think this is a good idea. The only things I want to keep in mind is that we should not lose focus that we will build that school. I think that is the main focus.”

After the board members vote at the meeting April 8 to adopt or not adopt the resolution, Randolph-Obomanu would like to bring the resolution to the City Council.